{"id":10686,"date":"2019-09-08T06:29:44","date_gmt":"2019-09-08T06:29:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=10686"},"modified":"2021-06-29T18:59:03","modified_gmt":"2021-06-29T18:59:03","slug":"14-frequent-symptoms-of-hypokalemia","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-frequent-symptoms-of-hypokalemia\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Frequent Symptoms of Hypokalemia"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Hypokalemia is a condition that develops when a person is suffering from a potassium deficiency in their bloodstream. It can result in muscle weakness and other negative health issues. Potassium deficiency never occurs on its own, it is always a side effect of medication, medical treatment, or an illness. Being that it is not an independent illness, the main condition will require treatment in order to resolve hypokalemia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potassium is an essential mineral your body must have in order to work effectively. The mineral helps your cells to the proper amount of nutrients, helps the nerves to send signals and also allows your muscles to move.  Most people suffering from mild cases of hypokalemia may not notice the symptoms but most cases of hypokalemia present with several other signs of being ill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypokalemia is usually caused by medications or other conditions, but can also develop if there is an intracellular shift of your body\u2019s potassium.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Low blood pressure<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood pressure<\/a> is the force that your blood applies to your artery walls as it flows. If your blood pressure gets too low or remains low for an extended period of time, it can result in several health complications. If left untreated, low blood pressure can lead to various ailments such as vision loss, heart palpitations, brain damage and more. Your heart is tasked with pumping blood that is rich in oxygen to the cells and muscles of your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

People who suffer from low blood pressure may not have enough force in their system to allow for proper circulation of oxygenated blood. The majority of people who have moderately low blood pressure may not exhibit any symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Though hypokalemia is not an independent illness, one of the most common symptoms if the ailment is low blood pressure. Your heart needs potassium in order to function properly, a deficiency can weaken its beats thereby resulting in low blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Mood Swings<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many causes of mood swings<\/a> and mood changes in people of all ages. Sometimes it is due to seasonal illness, the weather, or even from just having a bad day. There are also many mental illnesses that cause mood changes that can cause sudden swings. If you are suffering from mood swings that don\u2019t have a reasonable explanation, it could be due to a potassium deficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common symptoms of hypokalemia is mental fatigue and unexplainable mood changes. Your brain is a complex machine that requires a delicate mixture of special fuel in order to function optimally. When you are suffering from hypokalemia, the lack of proper potassium levels can disrupt the signals in the brain and cause wild swings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Almost a quarter of the population that has been diagnosed with mental disorders also suffer from hypokalemia. If you are unsure about your sudden mood changes, it may be a good idea to check for hypokalemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Nausea<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the most common symptoms of hypokalemia is the feeling of nausea which is also may cause periodic vomiting. Nausea may be a result of whatever condition is causing the hypokalemia or it can simply be due to the lack of potassium in your bloodstream<\/a>. Hypokalemia is not an independent illness, it develops only as a result of malnutrition or an underlying condition. As a result, most people don\u2019t automatically check for hypokalemia when they are already suffering from stronger symptoms of their main condition. \u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you notice that you are suffering from chronic bouts of nausea that are not explained by any medications you are taking, you may want to check for hypokalemia. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nausea commonly accompanies pregnancy, however, if you are experiencing it is not pregnant, keep in mind that it is also a sign that you maybe be suffering from hypokalemia. Those who are taking chemotherapy treatments may also suffer from nausea due to hypokalemia.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Muscle weakness & paralysis <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Your muscles <\/a>are able to manage to lift and move the weight of your body and our carrying out your typical activities. The muscles surrounding your bones not only provide support, but those muscles also regulate your movements. Your muscles run on a mix of oxygen, blood, potassium and other nutrients. When you are suffering from hypokalemia, your muscles will not be able to provide support until they get the fuel it needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the severity of your hypokalemia, the muscles may be too weak to function at all, resulting in partial or full paralysis. A classic symptom that is seen in most patients who are suffering from hypokalemia is a weakness in the muscles of the body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The weakness of the muscle area is not usually permanent if hypokalemia and the main condition causing it are treated. However, cause weakness in the muscles for as long as the underlying condition remains unchanged or untreated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Respiratory failure<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hypokalemia is a very common electrolyte <\/a>disturbance caused by a deficiency of potassium in the bloodstream. Although hypokalemia most often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms one glaring symptom is respiratory distress and respiratory failure. Respiratory failure occurs when there isn\u2019t enough oxygen traveling from your lungs into your blood. In order for your body to function, you need oxygen-rich blood. In addition, your blood needs to get rid of dangerous carbon dioxide that may harm your organs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Severe hypokalemia can cause a weakness in the muscles that prevent the exchange from occurring efficiently. Respiratory failure related to hypokalemia can be acute or chronic though in most cases the underlying illness that is causing hypokalemia will need to be rectified in order to resolve the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are suffering from acute respiratory failure from hypokalemia, be aware that it has a rapid onset requires emergency treatment in order to survive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Muscle twitching & cramping<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you move your body, typically your movements are controlled. Sometimes you may suffer from a muscle contraction the is uncontrolled, sudden and unintentional. This is a muscle cramp. Inactive and healthy people, they may be a result of overuse or they can just be random. In some cases, they occur when there is not enough potassium in the bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your muscles need a very specific mixture in order to function properly if you suffer from constant cramps and muscle twitches,\u00a0 you may have an underlying condition. \u00a0Muscle twitching <\/a>and cramping are classic symptoms of hypokalemia, which is basically a potassium deficiency. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Your brain uses potassium to help replay signals to the muscles to let them know when to contract. The same electrolyte helps to end that contraction when it leaves the muscles with the blood. If you are suffering from hypokalemia then these signals are not sent properly which can result in cramps and twitches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Loss of appetite<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There can be any number of reasons that a person suffers a loss of appetite <\/a>or other digestive problems, however, this is one of the most common symptoms of hypokalemia. Your brain controls your muscles by sending signals, this includes the muscles in your stomach. In order to send those signals, you have to have an adequate amount of potassium in your bloodstream. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When a person is suffering from hypokalemia, the stomach may not get the right messages from your brain that tell them to move or digest food. This causes food to stay in your stomach and intestines longer undigested, which can result in a loss of appetite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, hypokalemia may cause other complications such as constipation or bloating. If you are suffering from digestive problems and can\u2019t seem to identify the source, you should check yourself for hypokalemia. In severe cases of hypokalemia, it is possible for your entire digestive system to become completely paralyzed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Excessive thirst & urination<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Hypokalemia has a variety of causes but since it is not a standalone illness it can be hard to identify. One common symptom of potassium <\/a>deficiency is having to urinate often and overwhelming and constant thirst. Potassium deficiency causes the kidneys to malfunction in that they are not able to concentrate the urine in your body. This makes a person go to the bathroom more than usual. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Polyuria, which is excessive urination leads to polydipsia, which is excessive thirst from constantly using the bathroom. There are other symptoms that are paired with these however the most common is distention of the abdomen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes hypokalemia is caused by the use of diuretics to treat other conditions. Diuretics often cause kaliuresis to develop, which is the excretion of excessive potassium into the urine. All of these result in hypokalemia and magnesium deficiency which in turn can cause an electrolyte imbalance system-wide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Weight Loss<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Weight loss<\/a> is a serious symptom that you should always take note of when it comes to your own health. If you are suddenly starting to lose weight, then there could be a range of different health issues and conditions causing it \u2013 and the first thing to do is to visit your doctor to find out what the potential cause of your weight loss is.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even if you\u2019re actively trying to lose weight, you should take note where you\u2019re losing more weight than your expectations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight loss can indicate gut conditions, heart problems, cancer, dietary deficiencies, and a thousand other different conditions. The only way that you will know which condition is causing your symptoms is to visit your doctor for a diagnosis.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

From there, you can start to do things that can better your health, including taking supplements like potassium that can do a great deal for making you feel better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Night Sweats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sweating is common when temperatures reach into the higher-ends, and you are more likely to sweat when you are subjecting your body to the stress that can be associated with exercising. But sweating is also possible where the environmental circumstances don\u2019t seem right for it \u2013 such as sweating during a cool night or waking up every night with the sheets soaked with sweat. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where you experience any instances of night sweats<\/a> over a long period of time, you should see your doctor for a few simple tests. Many underlying conditions can cause sweating at night, and most of them are infections, bacteria or health conditions that can trigger a fever.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Including potassium and other essential minerals in your diet can help to support your body and immune system in this case, but further treatment might be necessary if you want the condition to go away. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Heart Palpitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Potassium is an essential mineral for bone and muscle health. If you have a potassium deficiency, you\u2019re likely to experience a range of different symptoms that have been mentioned on this list already- but there can also be some additional symptoms that you may or may not experience.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Heart palpitations<\/a> can be one of the most common symptoms that one can associate with a potassium deficiency. If you experience them as a symptom you should make an immediate appointment with your doctor to discuss the symptoms.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potassium can help to aid a variety of different heart conditions and might help your symptoms: But there are also some conditions that can be made worse by potassium that share the same symptoms. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speak to your doctor before you start or stop any medical treatments. It\u2019s vital to have the proper tests done if you suspect that you might have any existing health conditions that have not been diagnosed yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. An Increased Heart Attack Risk<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Potassium is commonly prescribed for a range of heart conditions, and a lack of potassium can obviously cause a range of different heart conditions. Where you have a lack of potassium in your body, it\u2019s likely to affect muscle first \u2013 and the heart is just another muscle like any other in your body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When you experience muscle cramps <\/a>due to a lack of potassium in your diet, you are also likely to experience the same effect \u2013 cramping \u2013 in the heart.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This can put you at an increased risk of a heart attack, particularly where you might have any other risk factors (like a family history of heart conditions) present. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you suspect that you might be at an increased risk of a heart attack or have any heart condition that you don\u2019t know about yet, the right thing to do is see your doctor for the proper tests \u2013 even before you include supplements. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Never take any chances with your heart health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Fever<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A fever <\/a>is the body\u2019s way of combating any signs of illness or infection in the body. While it actually has a useful purpose, it can have disastrous effects on the body if it\u2019s allowed to continue for too long without treatment \u2013 and it can even prove to be fatal in many cases.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have a fever, the first thing that you should try is to find the cause for it. Over-the-counter medication can help to control a fever \u2013 and where it doesn\u2019t you should make an appointment with a doctor or make a visit to the emergency room to have the symptoms addressed as soon as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A lack of potassium in your diet is likely to increase the likelihood of inflammation, which can happen anywhere in the body. This, in turn, is likely to trigger a fever. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Speak to a combination of a doctor and nutritional specialist to find out how to control nutritional deficiencies and to be tested for what your diet needs beyond including potassium. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Specific Food Cravings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Any kind of nutritional deficiencies can show themselves through other ways, and where you are experiencing food cravings for strange (and seemingly random) foods, you should consider it a serious warning sign that could point to what your body really needs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whenever you\u2019re craving something, you can generally find the key to what your body needs or wants by taking a closer look at the craving. At the root of it, you\u2019ll find your nutritional deficiency<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

People can crave everything from chocolate through to coffee, but when you start to crave dairy products like cheese, milk, ice cream or yogurt, it\u2019s likely to point to a need for potassium and calcium as the most common minerals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

A nutritional specialist can be a great help if you\u2019re struggling to figure out what you\u2019re craving versus what your body needs.  Start off by taking potassium supplements or including potassium-rich foods in your diet to see if it makes a difference to how you feel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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15. Changes in Bruising<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

For most people, it takes a pretty hard impact to cause bruising<\/a>, which happens because of bleeding under the skin when small blood vessels are ruptured. Any time you notice changes in the way that you bruise or the way these bruises heal, you should make an appointment with your doctor to find the cause. There are many different health conditions out there which can trigger changes in bleeding, including kidney disorders.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the conditions that will cause changes in the way you bruise will require immediate medical attention. The causes are vast, and other than those already mentioned, things like nutritional deficiencies and the use (or misuse) of some substances can also cause bruising. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potassium deficiencies can sometimes cause issues with easier or excessive bruising or bleeding. Where you suspect that it could be the problem, see your doctor have the levels officially tested. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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