Several medical conditions are linked to potassium deficiency. According to the MedlinePlus website, hypokalemia is a lower-than-normal level of potassium in your blood. Hypokalemia is a symptom, not a disease. Numerous factors can cause hypokalemia, including certain antibiotics and drugs, eating disorders and certain kidney-related medical conditions. The inability of your kidneys to retain potassium is one of the leading causes of hypokalemia. The MedlinePlus website states that a significant drop in potassium levels can be life-threatening.
Cushing's Syndrome
Cushing's syndrome is a hormonal condition that is associated with potassium deficiency. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, or NIDDK, Cushing's syndrome, also known as hypercortisolism, is caused by prolonged exposure of your body's tissues to elevated levels of cortisol -- a hormone produced by your adrenal glands. The NIDDK reports that Cushing's syndrome is relatively rare, and that it usually affects people between the ages of 20 and 50. Certain individuals may have a greater likelihood of developing Cushing's disease, including people who are obese, people with uncontrolled type 2 diabetes and people with high blood pressure. Common signs and symptoms associated with Cushing's syndrome include excessive weight gain and fatty deposits in your abdomen, upper back and face, stretch marks on your abdomen, thighs, breasts and arms, thinning and fragile skin that bruises easily, slow wound healing and acne.
Bartter Syndrome
Bartter syndrome is the name of a group of conditions that affect your kidneys and cause decreased potassium in your body. The MedlinePlus website states that Bartter syndrome is congenital, or present from before birth. There are five gene defects that are associated with Bartter syndrome. According to the MedlinePlus website, Barttner syndrome is believed to be caused by your kidney's inability to reabsorb sodium, resulting in a net loss of sodium, as it is excreted from your body in your urine. The loss of sodium from your body causes an up-regulation of the hormone aldosterone, which makes your kidneys remove excessive amounts of potassium from your body. Common signs and symptoms associated with Bartter syndrome include constipation, growth failure, increased urinary frequency, decreased blood pressure, kidney stones and muscle cramping and weakness.
Fanconi Syndrome
Fanconi syndrome is a disorder of your kidneys' tubes that is associated with potassium deficiency. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, Fanconi syndrome is a kidney disorder in which substances usually absorbed into your bloodstream by your kidneys, such as potassium, are released into your urine instead. In some cases, Fanconi syndrome is caused by defective genes, although it can also be caused by kidney damage. In children, the most common causes of Fanconi syndrome are genetic defects that impair the body's ability to break down the following compounds: cystine, fructose, galactose and glycogen. Common signs and symptoms associated with Fanconi syndrome include voiding large amounts of urine, dehydration, bone pain and weakness. The UMMC states that if you have Fanconi syndrome, the prognosis or outlook for your condition depends on the underlying disease.
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