Numerous conditions or factors can cause hypokalemia, or a potassium deficiency. According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, potassium helps a person's muscles and nerves function properly, maintains the proper electrolyte and acid-base balance in the body and decreases the likelihood of developing high blood pressure. Although dietary potassium deficiency is uncommon as many foods contain potassium, certain factors, including vomiting, certain medications and certain medical conditions, can increase the risk of potassium deficiency.
Hyperaldosteronism
Hyperaldosteronism is an adrenal gland-related condition that can cause a potassium deficiency. According to the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, hyperaldosteronism is a condition in which the adrenal glands -- small glands that sit on top of a person's kidneys -- produce too much aldosterone. Aldosterone is a hormone responsible for increasing the reabsorption of sodium and water and the release of potassium in the kidneys. The overproduction of aldosterone causes a potassium deficiency, fluid retention, increased blood pressure, weakness and, in severe cases, bouts of paralysis. The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library states that hyperaldosteronism is most commonly caused by an adrenal gland tumor, although it may also be a response to certain diseases. Treatment for hyperaldosteronism involves surgical removal of adrenal gland tumors. If an adrenal tumor is not found, a physician may prescribe certain medications to control the symptoms associated with this condition.
Chronic Pyelonephritis
Chronic, or long-term, pyelonephritis can cause a potassium deficiency. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases states that pyelonephritis, or kidney infection, is usually caused by bacteria that migrate up from the bladder. Other possible causes of chronic pyelonephritis include the long-term use of a catheter to drain urine from the bladder, prostate enlargement and abnormalities of the urinary tract that obstruct urine flow. Common signs and symptoms associated with chronic pyelonephritis include potassium deficiency, back, flank and groin pain, frequent urination, burning when urinating, fever, nausea, vomiting and blood in the urine. According to the NIDDK, most cases of chronic pyelonephritis respond well to an appropriate antibiotic, which is taken for several weeks. In some cases, anatomic abnormalities of the urinary tract may require surgery. Pain medications and heating pads may help relieve pain associated with chronic pyelonephritis.
Bartter Syndrome
Bartter syndrome is a kidney-related condition that can cause a potassium deficiency. According to MedlinePlus, Bartter syndrome, which usually occurs during childhood, is a collection of rare conditions that are congenital, or present before birth. There are five gene defects associated with Bartter syndrome that affect the kidneys' ability to reabsorb sodium. When sodium is lost through the urine, there is a corresponding rise in the hormone aldosterone, which stimulates the kidneys to remove potassium from the body -- a phenomenon known as potassium wasting. Common signs and symptoms associated with Bartter syndrome include potassium deficiency, constipation, growth failure, increased urinary frequency, decreased blood pressure, kidney stones and muscle cramping. Treatments for Bartter syndrome include consuming a diet rich in potassium, taking potassium and magnesium supplements, and taking medicine that blocks the kidneys from excreting potassium.
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