Low Potassium Medical Treatment
Potassium replacement therapy will be directed by the type and severity of the patientâs symptoms. Treatment begins after lab tests confirm the diagnosis.
People suspected of having severely low potassium need to be placed on a cardiac monitor and have an IV started.
Usually, those with mild or moderately low potassium levels , who have no symptoms, or who have only minor complaints only need to be treated with potassium given in pill or liquid form. This is preferred because it is easy to administer, safe, inexpensive, and readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract. Some preparations, or too high of a dose, may irritate the stomach and cause vomiting.
If cardiac arrhythmias or significant symptoms are present or if the potassium level is less than 2.5 mEq/L, IV potassium should be given. In this situation, admission or observation in the emergency department is indicated. Replacing potassium takes several hours as it must be administered very slowly intravenously to avoid serious heart problems and avoid irritating the blood vessel where the IV is placed.
For those with severely low potassium and symptoms, both IV potassium and oral medication are necessary.
Precautions:
- When potassium is used with medications such as ACE inhibitors, there is a risk of developing a high level of potassium.
- Potassium-sparing diuretics and potassium-containing salt substitutes can also result in high potassium levels.
What Can Happen If Your Potassium Level Is Too Low
A low blood potassium level is medically known as hypokalemia. A blood test is sufficient to confirm its diagnosis.
Levels under 3.5 mEq/L are considered low. Moderate hypokalemia is the level of 2.5-3.0 mEq/L. Levels under 2.5 mEq/L are considered too low and known as severe hypokalemia. These levels need emergency hospitalization.
Potassium is an electrolyte, and its normal levels are vital for your muscles, nerves, and heart to work well. It also plays an important role in maintaining digestive health and bone health.
Mild cases of low potassium usually do not cause any symptoms. Too low potassium levels might lead to symptoms including:
- Problems in muscles
The condition, if severe and left untreated, can lead to life-threatening complications, such as:
- Arrhythmia : If you have a heart problem or are on Digoxin medication, then you are more likely to get affected.
- Kidney problems: Persistent hypokalemia can cause problems in the functioning of your kidney. This may lead to increased urination.
- Respiratory failure
- Ileus
Diagnostic Tests/lab Tests/lab Values
Hypokalemia is commonly found in a blood test, with < 3.5mmol/L as mild hypokalemia and < 2.5mmol/L as severe hypokalmia.
In severe cases, a 12-lead electrocardiogram may be necessary if to check for cardiac arrythymias. Findings such as T-wave flattening or prominent U waves will result in hospital admission. Other tests may include:
- arterial blood gas
- basic or comprehensive metabolic panel
Blood tests will also be administered to check the following:
- glucose
Also Check: Body Aches Chills Headache Fatigue
The Signals That Your Body Needs Potassium
Tiredness, cramps, abdominal bloating: some signs can be linked to a potassium deficiency and useful not to underestimate. Usually, a diet rich in fruit and vegetables should suffice to restore an adequate level of potassium. Eventually, it is possible to resort to the use of specific mineral salt supplements.
But what are the symptoms of a possible potassium deficiency?
- Glucose intolerance with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Urinary calcium excretion
- Salt sensitivity
Very low potassium levels can cause more severe health conditions, such as heart rhythm problems, and can cause your heart to stop.
The Ideal Potassium Intake
Potassium recommendations vary depending on where you look. While there’s not one single set dosage, the Linus Pauling Institute suggests an adequate daily dose of potassium at 2,600 milligrams for women and 3,400 milligrams for men.
While there are a few ways to meet these metrics with your daily diet, the best way is to seek the nutrients in whole, natural foods. Some foods that are especially high in potassium include meats, dairy, leafy greens , fruit from vines , root vegetables , citrus fruits, and, as many people already know, bananas.
Read More:Potassium & Migraines
Consuming these foods regularly will not just help you avoid tired legs symptoms according to MedLine Plus, it will help build proteins, breakdown and use carbohydrates, maintain normal body growth, and control your acid-base balance.
You May Like: How To Stop Depression Fatigue
What Causes Low Potassium
While potassium is a nutrient we get from food, diet alone rarely causes hypokalemia. There are several possible causes of hypokalemia and certain populations who have an increased risk of deficiency. These include:
- Frequent vomiting or diarrhea
- Excessive sweating
- Rare disorders, such as Liddle syndrome, Bartters syndrome, Gitelman syndrome
- Leukemia
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- People with pica
- People who take certain medications, such as diuretics
How Can I Prevent Hyperkalemia
If youve had hyperkalemia or are at risk for it, a low-potassium diet is the best way to protect your health. You may need to cut back on, or completely cut out, certain high-potassium foods, such as:
- Asparagus.
- Citrus fruits and juices, such as oranges and grapefruit.
- Cooked spinach.
- Melons like honeydew and cantaloupe.
- Nectarines.
- Prunes, raisins and other dried fruits.
- Pumpkin and winter squash.
- Salt substitutes that contain potassium.
- Tomatoes and tomato-based products like sauces and ketchup.
You May Like: What Illnesses Can Cause Extreme Fatigue
Feeling Tired And Weak 8 Symptoms Of Potassium Deficiency
February 13, 2020 by Melissa Bell
Potassium is very important for humans. It helps regulate our brain, muscles and the digestive tract function. When potassium levels are low, the lack of the nutrient causes health crises and requires a quick medical treatment. For some patients, a change in diet is sufficient. For others, the deficiency requires prescription medication throughout the patients life. If you arent sure you are getting enough potassium, check the 8 symptoms of potassium deficiency below.
What Happens When Your Body Is Low On Potassium
In hypokalemia, the level of potassium in blood is too low. A low potassium level has many causes but usually results from vomiting, diarrhea, adrenal gland disorders, or use of diuretics. A low potassium level can make muscles feel weak, cramp, twitch, or even become paralyzed, and abnormal heart rhythms may develop.
Recommended Reading: Edge Weight Loss And Fatigue Clinic Spring Tx
Muscle Weakness And Fatigue
Your body needs potassium for proper nerve transmission and muscle contraction.
Muscle fatigue may be described as an overwhelming feeling of tiredness, exhaustion, or lack of energy. Your arms and legs simply feel weak.
That can make it hard to perform daily activities that previously werent difficult. You might also experience muscle soreness, cramping, or pain from minor physical exertion.
Theres no specific treatment for muscle fatigue, but you can do certain things to increase your energy levels when you have hyperkalemia.
Is Low Potassium Dangerous
- Glucose intolerance with increased risk of developing type 2 diabetes
- Urinary calcium excretion
- Salt sensitivity
Very low potassium levels can cause more severe health conditions, such as heart rhythm problems, and can cause your heart to stop.
Recommended Reading: Plus Size Army Fatigue Outfit
Symptoms Of Sodium Depletion
Sodium depletion can be caused by several things. You can lose too much sodium through working out intensely or being generally active in very hot, extremely dry weather without rehydrating. Another way to wind up with depleted sodium levels is to experience severe vomiting, again without rehydrating. A third way is to drink too much water. This may seem counterintuitive, but it is possible to drink so much water that your body cannot maintain a healthy balance of water, potassium and sodium in your cells. This usually happens when you have a high fever, have been sweating and/or vomiting for several hours and overcompensate by drinking too much water to rehydrate. Surgery can also disrupt your electrolyte balance as can kidney disease and certain medications.
The symptoms of sodium depletion, which is called hyponatremia, include confusion, diarrhea, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, lethargy, mood changes, muscle cramps and spasms, nausea and vomiting.
How Does Hypokalemia Affect My Body
You need potassium to keep your muscles, nerves and heart working well. You also need potassium for a healthy digestive system and bone health. Low levels of potassium can affect these important functions in your body. Over time, low levels of potassium in your body can cause effects such as abnormal heart rhythms, muscle weakness and even paralysis.
Also Check: Can Lack Of Exercise Cause Fatigue
When Should I Be Concerned About Low Potassium
Deficiency typically occurs when your body loses a lot of fluid. Common signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency include weakness and fatigue, muscle cramps, muscle aches and stiffness, tingles and numbness, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, digestive symptoms and mood changes.
What Causes Potassium Deficiency
Now that weâve covered the symptoms of low potassium levels, you may be wondering what causes a deficiency in the first place.
High salt intake â Consuming too much salt often contributes to low potassium levels. If high concentrations of sodium flood into our bodyâs cells, water follows it and potassium levels become low in contrast to these other elements. Our kidneys then have to work harder to regain water and maintain the electrolyte balance.
Illness â A stomach bug or a bout of diarrhoea can also lead to potassium deficiency. Prolonged vomiting or diarrhoea upsets the fluid balance in the body and also means that the body struggles to retain essential electrolytes and nutrients.
Medication â Some medications can increase the risk of deficiency. This includes diuretics, steroids, a high dose of insulin and certain antifungals. Some of these can cause the kidneys to excrete excess potassium, thus leading to hypokalaemia.
Excess sweating â Potassium can also be lost through sweat and so some of the problems listed above may develop during exercise or when an individual is in a hot climate.
Diet â Finally, simply failing to get enough potassium through your diet may also lead to the kind of symptoms Iâve just discussed, such as muscle cramps and fatigue. A reliance on pre-packed, processed foods rather than fresh goods can increase the likelihood of deficiency.
Also Check: Upper Back Pain Dizziness And Fatigue
Signs And Symptoms Of Potassium Deficiency
Potassium is an essential mineral that has many roles in your body. It helps regulate muscle contractions, maintain healthy nerve function and regulate fluid balance.
However, a national survey found that approximately 98% of Americans are not meeting the recommended potassium intake. A Western diet is likely to blame, as it favors processed foods over whole plant foods such as fruits, vegetables, beans and nuts (
That said, a low-potassium diet is rarely the cause of potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia. Deficiency is characterized by a blood potassium level below 3.5 mmol per liter .
Instead, it occurs when your body suddenly loses a lot of fluid. Common causes include chronic vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating and blood loss (
Here are 8 signs and symptoms of potassium deficiency.
Muscle Spasms And/or Cramps
Elderly individuals who are experiencing muscle spasms or cramps may be low on potassium. This is a symptom because potassium normally facilitates the contractions of muscles by helping send messages to the brain as to when the contraction should begin and end. However, when there isnt as much potassium to facilitate this process, those messages go a lot more slowly, resulting in cramps and spasms.
You May Like: Amino Acids For Adrenal Fatigue
Can Low Potassium Cause Dizziness
Low serum potassium level is known as hypokalemia. Low potassium levels may be due to the side effects of some drugs such as diuretics or due to some illness. Low potassium symptoms dizziness or light-headedness. Feeling dizzy despite enough rest and sleep may be a sign of low potassium levels. Various reasons can be attributed to low potassium symptoms dizziness. These reasons include
How To Raise Potassium Levels
In mild cases of hypokalemia, potassium levels can normalize within a few days after you start increasing potassium intake. Making sure you eat enough potassium-rich foods every day can help boost and maintain healthy potassium levels. The recommended daily potassium intake, according to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine are:
- Healthy adults: 3,400 mg per day for men, 2,600 for women
- Teens ages 14 to 18 years old: 3,000 mg male, 2,300 mg female
- Children ages 9 to 13: 2,500 mg male, 2,300 mg female
- Children ages 4 to 8: 2,300 mg male, 2,300 mg female
- Children ages 1 to 3: 2,000 mg for both male and female
- Babies ages 7 to 12 months: 860 mg for both male and female
- Birth to 6 months: 400 mg for both male and female
You May Like: How Do They Test For Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Symptoms Of Excess Potassium
Potassium Monitoring the level of potassium in the human body is imperative. Symptoms of low potassium is a mineral that must never be lacking in the daily diet, but equally, it must never be in excess. Excess potassium, also defined as hyper kalmia or hyperkalemia, is in fact harmful, especially in cases of diseases that affect the elderly, such as arterial hypertension and heart disease. Symptoms related to excess potassium in the blood are muscle cramps or weakness, sometimes tremors, pressure imbalances, fatigue and asthenia, tachycardia up to stopping heartbeat, shock and death.
Read Also: What Is Chronic Fatigue Immune Dysfunction Syndrome
How To Determine Low Potassium
According to the Mayo Clinic, it’s incredibly rare for low potassium levels to cause isolated symptoms of fatigue without other red flags of the deficiency being present. However, if you find that your legs have no energy or that you’re feeling tired overall, it’s time to get your blood checked. When doing so, if your doctor finds that you have an abnormally low plasma potassium concentration, they’ll let you know that you have hypokalemia and suggest ways to supplement to treat this the deficiency.
According to the Linus Pauling Institute, low potassium levels are most often the result of dehydration associated with prolonged vomiting or frequent episodes of diarrhea, use of some diuretics, forms of kidney disease that can cause lower levels, and metabolic disturbances such as anorexia.
Read Also: Is Fatigue A Side Effect Of Eliquis
Do You Get Enough Potassium Potassium Plays A Vital Role In Keeping Muscles Working Properly Regulating Fluids Helping Nerves Function And Promoting A Healthy Cardiovascular System
You do your best to get plenty of calcium and protein into your body every day. But what about potassium? It likely doesn’t come to mind as an important nutrient, but it should. Potassium plays a vital role in keeping muscles working properly, regulating fluids, helping nerves function and promoting a healthy cardiovascular system.
If your potassium levels get off kilter, it can raise your risk for high blood pressure, kidney stones, lower bone turnover, urinary calcium excretion and salt sensitivity.
It can be tough to tell if you’re getting enough potassium. Low levels are occasionally caused by poor diet, but more often by loss of potassium because of vomiting, diarrhea, use of certain prescription medications including diuretics , overuse of laxatives, excessive sweating, or other conditions affecting the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys.
You might not notice any physical symptoms. And routine tests don’t check for potassium deficiency. Here are a few signs that you’re lacking potassium. If you experience any of these signals and can’t figure out what’s behind them, ask your health care provider to check your potassium levels. Low potassium, known medically as hypokalemia, can be detected with blood and urine tests.
Read more about what potassium-rich foods you should be eating.
You’re constipated. Low potassium levels can slow your digestive system. You may also be bloated and have abdominal cramping. Find out five surprising constipation triggers.
Tread Carefully With Dietary Supplements
A number of natural products may help improve muscle fatigue or boost energy, according to a
- Rhodiola rosea
- vitamin B12
Always check with your doctor before adding dietary supplements to your regimen. Natural products may interact with medications or make existing health problems worse.
Multivitamin products may also contain potassium, so be sure to examine the label carefully.
Don’t Miss: Timberland Pro Anti Fatigue Footbed Powered By Fcx Technology Insole
How Can I Reduce My Risk Of Hypokalemia
You can reduce your risk of developing hypokalemia by eating a diet full of foods that contain potassium. Discuss your diet with your healthcare provider. Foods that contain potassium include many fruits and vegetables, lean meat and fish, dairy and legumes. Foods that have lots of potassium include:
- Avocados.
- Spinach.
- Tomatoes.
If youre experiencing vomiting and diarrhea that lasts for more than 24 to 48 hours, you should get immediate medical care. The loss of fluid can cause hypokalemia. The sooner you seek treatment, the better your chances of preventing it.
Potassium Release To The Blood Stream
It should be noted that, despite the femoral venous potassium concentration being lower than the interstitial concentration during exercise, the venous potassium concentration reflected the interstitial potassium level. For example, the femoral venous potassium concentration was lower in the trained compared to the untrained leg during the 30 W and the incremental exercise bouts, as were the interstitial concentrations. Thus, the femoral venous concentrations during knee-extensor exercise can be used to evaluate differences in the concentrations of potassium in the muscle interstitium.
Recommended Reading: Anti Fatigue Mats For Sale
Which Foods Are Rich In Potassium
Potassium enters the body through dietary intake. Examples of potassium-rich foods include:
- Fresh fruits: bananas, cantaloupe, oranges, strawberries, kiwi, avocados, apricots
- Fresh vegetables: greens, mushrooms, peas, beets, tomatoes
- Meats: beef, fish, turkey,
Potassium levels in the blood may be easily measured by routine blood tests.
Low potassium is often a potential complication of medication. For example, patients with high blood pressure who are being treated with diuretics such as hydrochlorothiazide or furosemide often have their potassium levels monitored.
Patients who become ill with vomiting and diarrhea, might develop dehydration and weakness. Part of the patient evaluation may include having their electrolyte levels tested in order to determine whether body potassium losses may need to be replaced.
There can be electrocardiogram changes associated with low potassium, and sometimes the diagnosis of low potassium is made incidentally by finding the characteristic “U” waves on the EKG tracing. In severe cases, hypokalemia can lead to dangerous disturbances in heart rhythm .
