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This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Symptoms Low potassium hypokalemia. Hypokalemia is more common in people with inflammatory bowel disease IBD and gastrointestinal illnesses that cause severe or persistent diarrhea or vomiting. Certain medications, such as laxatives and diuretics, can also increase the risk of potassium deficiency.
It is important to seek immediate medical attention for symptoms of severe hypokalemia, such as muscle paralysis, breathing problems, or irregular heart rhythms. The test involves taking a small blood sample from a vein in the hand or arm. People with severe hypokalemia require immediate treatment, and a doctor may recommend intravenous potassium.
However, doctors need to be careful when prescribing hypokalemia treatments as it is possible to provide a person with too much potassium, leading to excessive potassium levels in the body, or hyperkalemia. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements , the recommended daily intake of potassium is:. Potassium occurs naturally in a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, nuts, and whole grains.
Examples of foods rich in potassium include :. Potassium deficiency, or hypokalemia, can occur if a person does not get enough potassium from their diet. Severe vomiting or diarrhea, IBD, and certain medications can increase the risk of deficiency. The symptoms of hypokalemia depend on the severity of the deficiency, but they can include constipation, muscle problems, fatigue, and heart issues.
Severe hypokalemia can be life-threatening if a person does not receive treatment. The best way to get enough potassium is to eat a varied diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables. Healthy potassium levels support kidney function, moderate blood pressure, bone strength, and muscle mass.
Here, learn how much is right and where to…. Bananas may help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of developing cancer. Find out more about the nutrients that bananas provide and get tips on….
People need vitamin D for muscle and bone health. Limited sun exposure and low dietary intake can lead to brittle bones, mood changes, and chronic…. Hypokalemia occurs when a person has too little potassium in their blood.
Symptoms can include low blood pressure and muscle twitching. Read on to…. Vitamin B is essential for blood health. People with vitamin B deficiency may have a variety of symptoms, including fatigue, nerve problems, and…. A small drop in potassium level often does not cause symptoms, which may be mild, and may include:. A large drop in potassium level may lead to abnormal heart rhythms , especially in people with heart disease.
This can cause you to feel lightheaded or faint. A very low potassium level can even cause your heart to stop. Your health care provider will order a blood test to check your potassium level. Normal range is 3. If your condition is mild, your provider will likely prescribe oral potassium pills. If your condition is severe, you may need to get potassium through a vein IV. Eating foods rich in potassium can help treat and prevent low level of potassium. These foods include:. Taking potassium supplements can usually correct the problem.
In severe cases, without proper treatment, a severe drop in potassium level can lead to serious heart rhythm problems that can be fatal. In severe cases, life-threatening paralysis may develop, such as with hypokalemic periodic paralysis.
Call your provider right away if you have been vomiting or have had excessive diarrhea, or if you are taking diuretics and have symptoms of hypokalemia. Mount DB.
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