If your body often feels weak, either because of lack of nutrition or muscle were deemed not strong, should not be underestimated. Both can be symptoms of potassium deficiency or hypokalemia. If not promptly treated, hypokalemia can result in death. Potassium that has the symbol (K), is a mineral that is essential for many functions of the human body. Potassium effective to make all the cells, tissues, and whole organs in the human body to function properly. This mineral is also an electrolyte, a substance that will conduct electricity functions in the body, which works together with sodium, chloride, calcium, and magnesium. Potassium is also very important for heart function, as well as maintain muscle function and normal digestion.
A digestive health experts say, the body of a weak and limp, for example, can not lift the foot (such as paralysis), could be a symptom of a person exposed to hypokalemia. This disorder should not be ignored, because potassium determines cardiac muscle work. A weak heart muscle, can be guessed through rhythm changes. Changes in heart rhythm that is left would have a negative impact on patient health.
Potassium is the major component determining the electrolyte balance in the body work. These substances are needed as much as 3.5 to 5.5 mEq per liter of blood. Potassium can be found in a variety of foods everyday example, such as a banana (read other foods high in potassium). Hypokalemia caused a large reduction in the amount of fluid in the body. These expenses can pass vomiting, diarrhea, or use of laxatives.
Noteworthy, hypokalemia usually experienced by patients with renal impairment. The kidneys are working well, able to withstand potassium, so it does not come out with urine. Spending potassium through the urine that are too large to indicate poor kidney condition. We can determine the levels of potassium in the body through blood tests. If the result is less than 3.5, then the condition is hypokalemia. Furthermore, the patient can perform tests kidneys if not experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Potassium supplements are usually necessary for patients taking diuretic medications (diuretics). When potassium deficiency occurs in large quantities, usually the patient will be given a potassium salt, which is consumed orally. But salt is given in small doses several times a day, to avoid irritating the digestive tract. Potassium can also be given intravenously, which can only be done in the hospital. This is to avoid the increase potassium too high is dangerous for patients.
In some cases, patients with hypokalemia often fainted. Related to this, the condition could have been caused by a shortage of sodium. In this situation the patient should be given an electrolyte fluid intake, to replace the intake of sodium and potassium from the body.
Hypokalemia Symptoms (Potassium Deficiency)
This condition is characterized by symptoms of hypokalemia as follows:
- Weakness and fatigue
- muscle cramps
- Abnormal heart rate
- muscle spasms
- palpitations
- paralysis
- depression
Signs And Symptoms of Hypokalemia
Potassium is essential for some processes and cellular homeostasis. Due to low levels of this mineral inhibits renal function and neuromuscular activity. Patients with hypokalemia, often no symptoms, hypokalemia, especially those with mild hypokalemia. Symptoms are present often than not the cause of hypokalemia and hypokalemia itself. Symptoms of hypokalemia is not specific and is mainly associated with muscle or cardiac function. Severe hypokalemia can be symptoms of hypokalemia as abnormal heart rate with cardiovascular collapse. Cardiac arrhythmias and acute respiratory failure from complications of life-threatening muscle paralysis requiring immediate treatment.
