In your body, potassium is an essential mineral that plays important roles in muscle contraction and nerve transmission. Potassium can be obtained from a wide variety of fruits, vegetables and meats. Low potassium, also known as hypokalemia, is not usually caused by a dietary deficiency but may result from an underlying health condition or an illness caused by infection. Signs of low potassium include weakness and fatigue, muscle spasms and breakdown, constipation and abnormal heart rhythms.
Infection Symptoms
Low potassium may occur when you lose potassium by excessive vomiting or diarrhea. These symptoms are associated with many different types of infections. In addition, the elevated body temperatures caused by a fever can result in excessive sweating. The loss of fluid and salts through sweating also contributes to potassium depletion in your body. In most cases, potassium levels rise again after these symptoms diminish; however, serious or prolonged illness may cause a substantial drop in potassium that requires medical attention.
Types
Many types of infections that cause fluid loss can also affect potassium levels. Doctors in Thailand have determined that low potassium is a common complication in children with dengue fever. Approximately 63 percent of pediatric patients with this infection displayed signs of dehydration and 14 percent also acquired hypokalemia. Potassium levels are affected by other tropical diseases, particularly leptospirosis.
Treatment
If your doctor determines your potassium levels are too low, you may be prescribed supplemental potassium to help raise levels quickly. If you have severe hypokalemia or if you are unable to take the supplements orally, you may require intravenous potassium supplementation. Do not take potassium supplements unless directed to do so by your healthcare provider. Supplements may interact with a variety of other medications and may be dangerous for people with certain chronic health conditions.
Other Considerations
Certain medications may contribute to decreased blood potassium levels. Diuretics as well as some common antibiotics, including carbenicillin, gentamicin and amphotericin B, can cause potassium to drop. In addition, the excessive use of laxatives may result in low potassium. Exercise, dehydration and excessive salt consumption can also contribute to the development of hypokalemia.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Low Potassium (Hypokalemia)
- MedlinePlus: Hypokalemia
- "Nature Clinical Practice Nephrology"; Altered Fluid, Electrolyte and Mineral Status In Tropical Disease, With an Emphasis on Malaria and Leptospirosis; V. Sitprija; 2008
- "Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health"; Electrolyte Disturbances and Abnormal Urine Analysis in Children with Dengue Infection; Lumpaopong A., et al.; 2010
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