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Is Low Potassium Associated With UTIs?
Urinary tract infections -- or UTIs -- can be a painful experience 1. When caught early, however, UTIs are easily treated with antibiotics and are rarely life-threatening. Low levels of potassium, on the other hand, can be associated with a number of more serious conditions, including chronic kidney failure. There is no evidence to support the idea that low potassium levels are associated with UTIs.
Urinary Tract Infection
Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections that affect women 10 times more frequently than men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. UTIs can affect any portion of your urinary system including your kidneys, bladders, ureters or urethra. These infections must be treated by a doctor to prevent the infection from spreading to your kidneys. They are typically diagnosed with a urine sample. Once diagnosis is confirmed, you will be provided with an antibiotic to clear up your infection.
- Urinary tract infections are common bacterial infections that affect women 10 times more frequently than men, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1.
- Once diagnosis is confirmed, you will be provided with an antibiotic to clear up your infection.
UTI Causes
What Are the Consequences of an Untreated UTI?
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UTIs are caused by the spread of bacteria into your urinary system. This can occur in a number of ways due to a variety of risk factors. Having diabetes, being pregnant, being a female and having a history of urinary tract infections can make you more prone to this condition. Being sexually active -- with a new partner, multiple partners, having intercourse frequently and the intensity of intercourse -- can also increase your risk of UTIs. Holding your urine for too long, wiping from back to front after urination and certain birth control pills can also lead to UTIs.
- UTIs are caused by the spread of bacteria into your urinary system.
- Holding your urine for too long, wiping from back to front after urination and certain birth control pills can also lead to UTIs.
Low Potassium
Potassium is important in the daily functioning of your body including the function of your muscle cells -- especially your heart -- and your nerves. MayoClinic.com indicates potassium levels should be between 3.6 and 4.8 mEq/L. Potassium levels below 2.5 mEq/L can be life-threatening Symptoms of low potassium include feeling tired, weakness, muscle cramping, constipation and an irregular heart beat. Potassium levels can be measured through urine or blood tests.
- Potassium is important in the daily functioning of your body including the function of your muscle cells -- especially your heart -- and your nerves.
- MayoClinic.com indicates potassium levels should be between 3.6 and 4.8 mEq/L.
- Potassium levels below 2.5 mEq/L can be life-threatening Symptoms of low potassium include feeling tired, weakness, muscle cramping, constipation and an irregular heart beat.
Causes of Low Potassium
How Much Potassium Does a Female Need?
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There are a number of causes of low potassium. Potassium is most commonly lost through urination or through the digestive tract as the result of numerous conditions.
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References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Urinary Tract Infections in Women
- National Institutes of Health: Potassium Urine; August 7, 2009
- Flores-Mireles AL, Walker JN, Caparon M, Hultgren SJ. Urinary tract infections: epidemiology, mechanisms of infection and treatment options. Nat Rev Microbiol. 2015;13(5):269–284. doi:10.1038/nrmicro3432
- Arnold JJ, Hehn LE, Klein DA. Common Questions About Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections in Women. Am Fam Physician. 2016 Apr 1;93(7):560-9. PMID: 27035041
- Fu Z, Liska D, Talan D, Chung M. Cranberry Reduces the Risk of Urinary Tract Infection Recurrence in Otherwise Healthy Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. J Nutr. 2017 Dec;147(12):2282-2288. doi: 10.3945/jn.117.254961.
- Al Demour S, Ababneh MA. Evaluation of Behavioral and Susceptibility Patterns in Premenopausal Women with Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections: A Case Control Study. Urol Int. 2018;100(1):31-36. doi: 10.1159/000485568.
Writer Bio
Michelle Zehr started writing professionally in 2009. She has written on health, fitness, fashion, interior design, home decorating,sports and finance for several websites. Zehr possesses a Bachelor of Arts in communication from the University of Pittsburgh, a Master of Arts in professional writing from Chatham University and a graduate certificate in health promotion from California University of Pennsylvania.