Potassium, which is a mineral and an electrolyte, is essential to the health of the body. The body needs potassium to function properly. Potassium plays a critical role in heart and muscle functions and in the health of all of the body's organs, tissues and cells. Low potassium is serious medical condition. Cushing's syndrome, which is caused by the body's excessive use or production of steroid hormones, can result in low potassium levels.
Low Potassium
Low potassium, or hypokalemia, is a symptom of Cushing's syndrome. Laboratory tests that reveal low serum potassium often confirm the suspicion that a patient has Cushing's syndrome. Significantly lower potassium levels are often found in cases of ectopic Cushing's syndrome. The symptoms of low potassium include weakness, muscle cramps, fatigue and irregular heartbeat. Your doctor might order an electrocardiogram, or EKG, to measure your heart function.
Cushing's Syndrome
The body produces cortisol in the adrenal glands, which are located above the kidneys. The adrenocorticotrophic hormone, or ACTH, regulates the body's cortisol production. Cortisol helps the body react to stress by regulating certain physiological functions, such as blood sugar and water levels, nutrient availability and how the body responds to inflammation. Other steroid hormones, such as aldosterone, regulate these and other functions, as well. Cushing's syndrome refers to the changes in the body's organs and tissues that result when the body produces too much cortisol. Symptoms include a full, round red face known as moon-face, upper body obesity, acne and other skin abnormalities, weak muscles, backaches and thinning bones. Women may have excessive hair growth, men often experience impotence, and children may exhibit slow growth. Cushing's syndrome also causes high blood pressure, high blood sugar levels and low potassium.
Types
Iatroggenic, which means "caused by the treatment," refers to the appearance of Cushing's syndrome as a side effect of taking steroids as medications. Tumors cause spontaneous Cushing's syndrome. Cushing disease is a type of Cushing's syndrome that occurs when the pituitary gland produces too much ACTH. The over-production of ACTH causes the adrenal glands to become enlarged and produce too much cortisol. Cushing disease accounts for 70 percent of the cases of spontaneous Cushing's syndrome. Ectopic Cushing's syndrome occurs when the over-production of ACTH occurs outside of the pituitary gland in another gland or organ.
Treatment
Potassium replacement, through dietary changes or supplemental potassium, and adjustments to steroid medications is the treatment for Cushing's syndrome caused by steroid medications. Some patients who cannot have adjustments to their steroid medications require continuous treatment of symptoms, such as low potassium. Although some forms of Cushing's syndrome are curable, treatment is complicated and lengthy. Blood tests to monitor potassium levels and other symptoms may be repeated regularly as treatment continues. Potassium is available in several forms, including pills and liquids.
Tips and Warnings
Contact your doctor if you suspect you have low potassium or Cushing's syndrome. Potassium supplements should only be taken when prescribed and monitored by a doctor. Potassium should never be given to children unless prescribed by a doctor. Dietary sources of potassium include potatoes, tomatoes, bananas, avocados, salmon, chicken and lima beans.
