Electrolytes are minerals in the body that contain a positive or negative electrical charge. Electrolytes may be located in the blood, urine and body fluids. The major electrolytes in the human body are sodium, calcium, chlorine, phosphate, magnesium and potassium. Maintaining the proper balance of electrolytes ensures that the body is able to function normally. Hypokalemia is an electrolyte imbalance characterized by low levels of potassium in the blood.
Causes
Normal blood potassium is defined as 3.6 to 4.8 mEq/L. Hypokalemia occurs when potassium levels drop below 3.6 mEq/L. Low potassium levels can occur as a result of a number of conditions. MayoClinic.com notes that the most common cause of hypokalemia is loss of an excessive amount of potassium in the urine or from the digestive tract. Loss of potassium may be a result of diuretic use, excessive diarrhea, eating disorders, chronic laxative use, kidney failure and excessive vomiting. Occasionally, hypokalemia may be caused by insufficient intake of potassium in the diet.
Symptoms
Symptoms of hypokalemia depend on the severity of the electrolyte imbalance. Minor imbalances do not usually produce any symptoms, according to Medline Plus. As the imbalance becomes more severe, those with hypokalemia may experience abnormal heart beat, breakdown of muscle fibers, fatigue, muscle weakness, muscle spasms, constipation and paralysis.
Treatment
Immediate treatment for hypokalemia consists of potassium supplementation. Those with mild forms of the electrolyte imbalance can be successfully treated with oral supplementation. Those with severe imbalances require intravenous administration of potassium. Once the electrolyte imbalance is corrected, further treatment focuses on the underlying cause of the hypokalemia.
Complications
Severe cases of hypokalemia can lead to life-threatening paralysis of the lungs. The heartbeat may also become so irregular that it can become life-threatening. If hypokalemia is left untreated, it can lead to kidney damage. This condition is called hypokalemic nephropathy.
Prevention
In order to prevent hypokalemia, it is important to avoid the excessive use of diuretics and laxatives. Adequate consumption of potassium in the diet is also important to ensure that the potassium levels in the body remain in balance. Foods that contain significant amounts of potassium include bananas, tomatoes, kiwi, milk, oranges, peaches, peanut butter, peas, beans, bran and Brussels sprouts, according to Medline Plus.
