Prolonged or excessive diarrhea can lead to dehydration as well as electrolyte imbalances, which can cause significant complications if not addressed. Magnesium is a major electrolyte that is lost when a patient has diarrhea. The loss of magnesium will effect the function of nerve and muscle cells within the body, leading to abnormal heart rhythms or cardiac arrest.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is characterized by increased frequency, fluidity and volume of stools. Although the majority of cases of diarrhea are self-limiting in nature, prolonged or excessive diarrhea has the potential for significant morbidity and mortality, states the book "Current Diagnosis and Treatmemt Emergency Medicine." The elderly, infants and immunocompromised individuals are at greatest risk for complications associated with diarrhea. When diarrhea occurs, the large intestine does not absorb electrolytes properly.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are charged particles, called ions, that help in the transmission of electrical impulses for proper heart, nerve and muscle functioning. Electrolytes work properly within the body when there is an equal balance of positive ions and negative ions. An imbalance in electrolytes can cause life-threatening consequences.
Magnesium
As noted in "Fluids and Electrolytes DeMystified," magnesium is an important electrolyte that helps with nerve and muscle function. The normal range of magnesium in the bloodstream is 1.3 to 2.5 mEq/L. Excessive amounts of magnesium or decreased levels of magnesium can severely disrupt body function. These mineral levels are regulated by gastrointestinal absorption, renal excretion and reabsorption.
Hypomagnesemia
Low magnesium, also known as hypomagnesemia, is a common outcome of excessive or prolonged diarrhea. Symptoms of hypomagnesemia, according to the journal article in "RN," include confusion, sleepiness, muscle weakness or tremors, and coma. Low magnesium levels increase the irritability of the heart muscle causing abnormal heart rhythms, which can deteriorate into life threatening rhythms.
Treatment
Treatment for the individual with diarrhea and hypomagnesemia is to replace fluids and correct the electrolyte imbalance. In mild cases, rehyrdating with oral fluids, magnesium supplements or increasing the dietary intake of magnesium rich foods, like fruits, vegetables and seafood's, milk and cereals may correct the problem. In severe cases, individuals may require intravenous replacement of fluids with intravenous magnesium.
References
- "Current Diagnosis and Treatmemt Emergency Medicine"; Stone, C.; Humphries, R.; 2008
- "RN"; Restoring Electrolytes; Astle, S.; May 2005
- "Fluids and Electrolytes DeMystified"; Johnson, J.; 2008
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