Numerous conditions can cause low potassium and electrolyte levels. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, potassium is both a mineral and an electrolyte. An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity in the body. Potassium plays an important role in heart function, muscle contraction and digestion. The UMMC states that hypokalemia is the scientific term for too little potassium in the body. Hypokalemia can affect the body in many ways.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder that can cause low potassium and electrolytes. According to the National Alliance on Mental Health, or NAMI, bulimia nervosa is a serious eating disorder characterized by a pattern of binge-eating and compensatory behaviors to self-regulate weight. Binge-eating is the rapid consumption of an excessive amount of food in a short time-span. The NAMI states that binge-eaters -- usually teenage girls -- feel out of control. In some cases, bulimia nervosa occurs in conjunction with other psychiatric disorders, including depression, substance dependence and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Common signs and symptoms associated with bulimia nervosa include low potassium and electrolyte levels, dehydration, irregular heartbeat, abnormal bowel functioning, damaged teeth and gums, excessive exercising, forced vomiting following meals and sores in the throat and mouth.
Conn's Syndrome
Conn's syndrome, also known as hyperaldosteronism, can cause low potassium and electrolyte levels. The Columbia University Medical Center, or CUMC, states that Conn's syndrome is a condition in which a person's adrenal glands -- the glands that sit on top of the kidneys -- produce too much aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone that increases the secretion or release of potassium in the kidneys. If a person's adrenal glands produce excess aldosterone, he will experience hypertension, or elevated blood pressure, and low potassium levels. The most common causes of Conn's syndrome include a benign, or harmless, tumor of one adrenal gland or an enlargement of both adrenal glands, although the underlying causes of these conditions are unknown. Common signs and symptoms associated with Conn's syndrome include low potassium and electrolyte levels, fatigue, headache, increased blood pressure, muscle weakness and numbness.
Bartter Syndrome
Bartter syndrome, also known as potassium-wasting or salt-wasting nephropathy, can cause low potassium and electrolyte levels. According to the MedlinePlus website, Bartter syndrome describes a group of conditions that affect a person's kidneys. Bartter syndrome is a congenital condition that it is present even before a person is born. Five gene defects are known to be linked to Bartter syndrome. Most researchers believe that Bartter syndrome is caused by a defect in the kidney's ability to reabsorb sodium, which causes an increase in aldosterone and increased removal of potassium from the body. Common signs and symptoms associated with Bartter syndrome include low potassium and electrolyte levels, constipation, failure to grow, increased frequency of urination, decreased blood pressure, kidney stones and muscle cramping or weakness. The MedlinePlus website states that kidney failure is a possible complication associated with Barter syndrome.
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