According to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, 20 million Americans suffer with asthma, as of 2011. Asthma is also considered the most common chronic condition in children, with 5 million affected. Asthma accounts for around 2 million emergency room visits each year. Asthma is controlled by a variety of medications, some of which can reduce your potassium levels. Ask you physician about this possibility and whether it is necessary to take potassium supplements.
Potassium
Potassium is a mineral essential for the proper functioning of your heart, kidneys, nerves, muscles and digestive system. The recommended daily intake of potassium, according to the United States Department of Agriculture is 4,700 mg a day. Some good dietary sources of potassium are sweet potatoes, halibut, tuna, cod, bananas, spinach and yogurt. Potassium can also be found in supplement form. Supplements can cause side effects such as upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea.
Asthma
Asthma is a chronic disease that causes inflammation in the lungs and airways. It can restrict airflow and cause difficulty breathing. Asthma can be triggered by a variety of environmental factors including allergies, second-hand smoke, air pollutants, changes in the weather, stress and anxiety or exercise. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, asthma is treated with two types of medications. The first category is characterized by quick-relief medications or bronchodilators. They are designed to immediately open the airways and help breathing during an asthma attack and include medications such as albuterol. The second category -- medications used for long-term control -- is designed to reduce inflammation in the airways. Some examples of these include Singulair, Flovent and theophylline.
Asthma Medications and Potassium
While there are a variety of medications used to treat asthma, some can cause a reduction in your potassium levels. Corticosteroids such as Flovent, which are routinely prescribed for long-term asthma control, can reduce potassium in your body. Theophylline is also responsible for a reduction in your serum potassium. A 2003 study published in the "Journal of Emergency Medicine" showed that albuterol, which is commonly used as a rescue inhaler medication for asthmatics, has the ability to treat hyperkalemia, or high potassium levels, by reducing the amount of potassium in the body.
Considerations
If you suffer from asthma and are prescribed medications such as Flovent, theophylline or albuterol, talk with your physician about having your potassium level checked and the possible need for potassium supplementation. Do not supplement potassium without the guidance of your physician as too much potassium can lead to hyperkalemia. Hyperkalemia can cause an irregular heartbeat, nausea and a slow, weak or absent pulse.
References
- Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America: Asthma Facts and Figures
- United States Department of Agriculture; Dietary Guidelines for Americans 2005; July 9, 2008
- MedlinePlus; Potassium; September 1, 2008
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Asthma; September 20, 2009
- University of Maryland Medical Center; Potassium May 6, 2009
- "Journal of Emergency Medicine"; Levalbuterol is as Effective as Racemic Albuterol in Lowering Serum Potassium; D. Pancu et al.; July 2003
