Hypokalemia
Hypokalemia means that the amount of potassium in the blood is lower than normal. Potassium is a chemical that helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body (electrolyte). It also stimulates muscle tightening (contraction) and helps nerves work properly. Normally, most of the body’s potassium is inside of cells, and only a very small amount is in the blood. Because the amount in the blood is so small, minor changes to potassium levels in the blood can be life-threatening.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Antibiotic medicine.
• Diarrhea or vomiting. Taking too much of a medicine that helps you have a bowel movement (laxative) can cause diarrhea and lead to hypokalemia.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Medicine …show more content…
• Constipation.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle cramps.
• Mental confusion.
• Skipped heartbeats or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).
• Tingling or numbness.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with a blood test.
TREATMENT
Hypokalemia can be treated by taking potassium supplements by mouth or adjusting the medicines you take. You may be instructed to eat more foods that contain a lot of potassium. If your potassium level is very low, you may need to get potassium through an IV tube and be monitored in the hospital.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. This includes vitamins and supplements.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
• If instructed, eat more foods that contain a lot of potassium, such as:
• Nuts, such as peanuts and pistachios.
• Seeds, such as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
• Peas, lentils, and lima beans.
• Whole grain and bran cereals and breads.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apricots, avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, tomatoes, asparagus, and potatoes.
• Orange juice.
• Tomato
Hypokalemia means that the amount of potassium in the blood is lower than normal. Potassium is a chemical that helps regulate the amount of fluid in the body (electrolyte). It also stimulates muscle tightening (contraction) and helps nerves work properly. Normally, most of the body’s potassium is inside of cells, and only a very small amount is in the blood. Because the amount in the blood is so small, minor changes to potassium levels in the blood can be life-threatening.
CAUSES
This condition may be caused by:
• Antibiotic medicine.
• Diarrhea or vomiting. Taking too much of a medicine that helps you have a bowel movement (laxative) can cause diarrhea and lead to hypokalemia.
• Chronic kidney disease (CKD).
• Medicine …show more content…
• Constipation.
• Fatigue.
• Muscle cramps.
• Mental confusion.
• Skipped heartbeats or irregular heartbeat (palpitations).
• Tingling or numbness.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed with a blood test.
TREATMENT
Hypokalemia can be treated by taking potassium supplements by mouth or adjusting the medicines you take. You may be instructed to eat more foods that contain a lot of potassium. If your potassium level is very low, you may need to get potassium through an IV tube and be monitored in the hospital.
HOME CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider. This includes vitamins and supplements.
• Eat a healthy diet. A healthy diet includes fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and lean proteins.
• If instructed, eat more foods that contain a lot of potassium, such as:
• Nuts, such as peanuts and pistachios.
• Seeds, such as sunflower seeds and pumpkin seeds.
• Peas, lentils, and lima beans.
• Whole grain and bran cereals and breads.
• Fresh fruits and vegetables, such as apricots, avocado, bananas, cantaloupe, kiwi, oranges, tomatoes, asparagus, and potatoes.
• Orange juice.
• Tomato