An increase in potassium levels, also referred to as hyperkalemia, may cause serious complications. Hyperkalemia may occur because of medical disorders such as kidney failure, or from burns, surgery, trauma and tumors. Certain medications may also cause an increase in potassium levels. When they occur, symptoms of hyperkalemia include nausea, an irregular heartbeat and a slow, weak pulse. Treating hyperkalemia is important to help prevent serious complication, such as abnormal heart rhythms, paralysis and cardiac arrest. Treatment options vary depending on the cause of the condition.
Treat Underlying Causes
Making adjustments in medications that are causing mild hyperkalemia may help treat the condition. Treating edical conditions that can cause hyperkalemia -- such as type 1 diabetes, Addison's disease and alcoholism -- may help treat the condition.
Medications
Some medications may help decrease potassium levels in the body. Sodium polystyrene sulfonate, commonly used to treat constipation, may bind to the excessive potassium and remove it through the gastrointestinal tract. Diuretics are medications used to remove excessive amounts of fluid from the body. The diuretics may help decrease potassium levels in the body when removing the excess fluid. Calcium, administered intravenously, helps treat the heart effects and muscle complications associated with the hyperkalemia. Medications such as insulin, sodium bicarbonate and beta agonists help move the excessive potassium from the bloodstream to the tissue cells in the body.
Dialysis
Undergoing hemodialysis may help reduce potassium levels in the body. Dialysis removes blood from the body, processes it through a machine in order to reduce the toxins, and then returns the blood to the body. The process generally takes several hours.
Nutrition
Dietary sources of potassium include bananas, avocados, lima beans, chicken, watermelon, salmon, citrus juice and cantaloupe. Reducing the intake of foods high in potassium may help treat chronic forms of hyperkalemia. People with impaired kidneys should not use salt substitute because of the potential to raise the levels in the body. Increasing water intake may help reduce potassium levels for people with normal function kidneys. Dehydration may further worsen hyperkalemia. Avoid taking nettle, horsetail, alfalfa and dandelion because these supplements may increase potassium levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
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