Irritable bowel syndrome, or IBS, is a disorder of your colon -- or large intestine -- that is associated with several uncomfortable symptoms. Depending on the severity of these symptoms, they can lead to secondary complications, such as the electrolyte imbalance hypokalemia, which is a low potassium level. Although IBS is not a dangerous disorder, hypokalemia is, and it requires timely medical intervention to avoid life-threatening manifestations.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
IBS is a condition in which your large intestine does not function normally. There is no known cause of the disorder, and those who have it experience constipation, diarrhea or intermittent episodes of both. IBS has triggers, such as certain foods and alcohol, that cause a worsening of symptoms. If you have IBS, you may also notice a worsening of symptoms brought on by stress or hormonal changes, as well.
Symptoms
Symptoms of IBS include feeling bloated, abdominal cramping and abdominal pain. You may also notice an increased amount of gas, or flatulence. When you are not experiencing constipation, you may see visible mucus in your stools. Diarrhea is also a common symptom of IBS. In certain situations, manifestations of IBS become severe and disabling. If this is the case with diarrhea, you are at increased risk of developing hypokalemia.
Hypokalemia
Although IBS is not necessarily a dangerous disorder, manifestations of one of the symptoms -- diarrhea -- can be. If you experience profound diarrhea, you may notice other symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness and muscle cramping. You may also feel like your heart is not beating normally. These are symptoms of hypokalemia, a condition of low serum potassium that can be preceded by rapid loss of potassium through diarrhea. Because hypokalemia rapidly becomes life threatening, particularly if you are not able to control your diarrhea, seek medical attention at the first signs of it.
Treatment
Treatment for significant hypokalemia is emergent and involves intravenous replacement of potassium. If you have a mild case of hypokalemia, oral supplementation is generally sufficient. Your doctor may also prescribe a special diuretic that causes your body to retain potassium. Expect your doctor to prescribe a high-potassium diet during the times you are experiencing diarrhea to prevent future episodes of hypokalemia, as well.
