Electrolytes are naturally occurring elements and compounds in the body. They regulate vital biological activities.
Electrolytes include the following:
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Phosphate
- Potassium
- Magnesium
- Sodium
These chemicals can be found in your blood, body fluids, and urine. They are also consumed with food, beverages, and supplements.
An electrolyte problem happens when your body’s electrolyte levels are either too high or too low. Electrolytes must be balanced in order for your body to function correctly. Otherwise, key physiological systems may be compromised.
Severe electrolyte imbalances can result in life-threatening complications such as coma, seizures, and cardiac arrest.
WHAT ARE THE TYPES OF ELECTROLYTE DISORDER?
The prefix “hyper-” denotes elevated amounts of an electrolyte. The symbol “hypo-” denotes electrolyte depletion.
Electrolyte level abnormalities can result in the following conditions:
Calcium: hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia
Chloride: hyperchloremia and hypochloremia
Magnesium: hypermagnesemia and hypomagnesemia
Phosphate: hyperphosphatemia or hypophosphatemia
Potassium: hyperkalemia and hypokalemia
Sodium: hypernatremia and hyponatremia
Calcium
Calcium is an essential element that your body needs to regulate blood pressure and skeletal muscle contraction. It is also used to strengthen bones and teeth.
Hypercalcemia develops when there is an excess of calcium in the blood. This is commonly caused by:
- Kidney disorder
- Thyroid problems, such as hyperparathyroidism
- Lung conditions like sarcoidosis and TB
- Various cancers, such as lung and breast cancer
- Excessive antacid and calcium or vitamin D supplementation
- Drugs such as lithium, theophylline, or some water tablets
Hypocalcemia is caused by a lack of calcium in the circulation. Among the possible causes are:
- Kidney failure
- Hypoparathyroidism
- A lack of vitamin D
- Pancreatitis
- Prostate cancer
- Malabsorption
- Some treatments, such as heparin, osteoporosis therapies, and antiepileptic medications
Chloride
Chloride is required for the appropriate balance of body fluids.
Hyperchloremia is caused by an excess of chlorine in the body. It can occur as a result of:
- Extreme dehydration
- Kidney failure
- Dialysis
Hypochloremia occurs when there is insufficient chloride in the body. It is frequently caused by sodium or potassium deficiencies.
Other possible reasons include:
- Cystic fibrosis (CF)
- Anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders
- Scorpion venom
- Acute kidney failure
Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential element that affects several vital activities, including:
- Muscle contraction
- Heart rhythm
- Nerve function
Magnesium excess is referred to as hypermagnesemia. People with Addison’s disease and end-stage renal disease are most affected by this ailment.
Hypomagnesemia refers to a lack of magnesium in the body. Typical reasons include:
- Drinking disorder
- Sweating excessively
- Heart attack
- Malnutrition
- Malabsorption
- Chronic diarrhea
- Various drugs, including diuretics and antibiotics
Phosphate
The kidneys, bones, and intestines all work together to keep the body’s phosphate levels in check. Phosphate is required for several processes and interacts strongly with calcium.
Hyperphosphatemia can arise as a result of:
- Calcium deficiency
- Kidney disease that is chronic
- A side effect of cancer therapy called tumor lysis syndrome
- Use of phosphate-containing laxatives in excess
- Severe breathing problems
- Parathyroid glands that are underactive
- Significant muscle damage
Hypophosphatemia, or low phosphate levels, can be detected in:
- Acute alcoholism
- A lack of vitamin D
- Parathyroid glands that are hyperactive
- Serious burns
- Starvation
- Some drugs, including IV iron therapy, niacin (Niacor, Niaspan), and several antacids
Potassium
Potassium is very crucial for heart function regulation. It also aids in the maintenance of healthy neurons and muscles.
Hyperkalemia can occur as a result of excessive potassium levels. If left undetected and untreated, this illness can be deadly. It is usually induced by:
- Extreme dehydration
- Kidney failure
- Diabetic ketoacidosis with severe acidosis
- Various drugs, including certain blood pressure and diuretic medications
- Adrenal insufficiency, which occurs when cortisol levels are abnormally low
When potassium levels are too low, hypokalemia ensues. This is frequently the outcome of:
- Eating disorders
- Severe nausea or diarrhea
- Dehydration
- Some drugs, such as laxatives, diuretics, and corticosteroids
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ELECTROLYTE DISORDER?
Mild electrolyte abnormalities may not produce any symptoms. Such problems might go unnoticed until a regular blood test reveals them. When a problem grows more serious, symptoms generally begin to show.
Although not all electrolyte imbalances induce the same symptoms, many do.
Typical electrolyte problem symptoms include:
- Irregular heartbeat
- Rapid heart rate
- Fatigue
- Constipation or diarrhea
- Cramps in the abdomen
- Cramping of the muscles
- Lethargy
- Seizures or convulsions
- Irritability
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- Headaches
- Tingling and numbness
If you experience any of these symptoms and feel you have an electrolyte issue, contact your doctor straight once. If left unchecked, electrolyte imbalances can be fatal.
Sodium
Sodium is required by the body to keep fluid equilibrium and is essential for optimal bodily function. It also aids in the regulation of nerve activity and muscle contraction.
Hypernatremia is caused by an excess of sodium in the blood. Sodium levels that are abnormally high may be caused by:
- Insufficient water consumption
- Extreme dehydration
- Body fluid loss as a result of prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, or respiratory sickness
- Some drugs, such as corticosteroids
Hyponatremia occurs when there is insufficient sodium in the body. The following are some of the most common reasons of low sodium levels:
- Perspiration or burns cause significant fluid loss via the skin.
- A drinking problem
- Overhydration
- Disorders of the thyroid, hypothalamus, or adrenal gland
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- A lack of nutrients
- Kidney, liver, or heart failure
- Some drugs, such as diuretics and seizure medicines
- Syndrome of excessive antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH)
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF ELECTROLYTE DISORDER?
Electrolyte imbalances are most commonly caused by a loss of body fluids as a result of prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating. They can also form as a result of fluid loss from burns.
Certain drugs might also induce electrolyte imbalances. Underlying illnesses, such as acute or chronic renal disease, are at fault in certain cases.
The precise reason may differ depending on the kind of electrolyte problem.
HOW IS ELECTROLYTE DISORDER DIAGNOSED?
Electrolyte levels in your body may be measured with a simple blood test. A blood test to assess your kidney function is also recommended.
To confirm a suspected electrolyte problem, your doctor may do a physical exam or prescribe further testing. These extra tests will differ based on the condition at hand.
For example, hypernatremia (too much sodium) can induce skin elasticity loss owing to dehydration. A pinch test can be performed by your doctor to assess whether you are dehydrated.
They may also assess your reflexes, since electrolyte levels can be affected by both increased and decreased levels.
An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), which is an electrical recording of your heart, may also be helpful in detecting any abnormal heartbeats, rhythms, or ECG or EKG alterations caused by electrolyte disorders.
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR ELECTROLYTE DISORDER?
Treatment differs based on the kind of electrolyte problem and the underlying illness.
Certain therapies are utilized to restore the right mineral balance in the body. These are some examples:
Intravenous (IV) fluids
Intravenous (IV) fluids, usually sodium chloride, can assist the body rehydrate. This medication is widely used to alleviate dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea. To rectify shortages, electrolyte supplements can be administered to IV fluids.
Certain IV medications
IV medicines can help your body swiftly restore electrolyte balance. They can also shield you from adverse effects while you are being treated with another therapy.
The medication you receive will be determined by your electrolyte imbalance. Calcium gluconate, magnesium chloride, and potassium chloride are some of the medications that may be given.
Oral medications and supplements
Oral drugs and supplements are frequently used to treat persistent mineral imbalances in your body. If you have chronic renal illness, you are more likely to experience this.
Depending on the severity of your electrolyte problem, you may be prescribed drugs or supplements such as:
- Calcium (gluconate, carbonate, citrate, or lactate
- Magnesium oxide
- Potassium chloride
- Phosphate binders such as sevelamer hydrochloride (Renagel), lanthanum (Fosrenol), and calcium-based therapies such as calcium carbonate.
Depending on the underlying cause of your disease, they can help restore reduced electrolytes in the short or long term. Your doctor will address the underlying problem after the imbalance has been restored.
Although certain supplements are available over the counter, most patients with electrolyte issues require a prescription from their doctor.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is a form of dialysis in which waste from your blood is removed using a machine.
Your doctor may surgically build a vascular access, or an entrance point, into your blood vessels to allow blood to flow to this artificial kidney.
During hemodialysis therapy, this entry site will enable more blood to circulate through your body. This implies that more blood can be cleansed and filtered.
Hemodialysis can be done when previous therapies have failed to address an electrolyte problem caused by abrupt kidney injury. If the electrolyte imbalance has become life-threatening, your doctor may recommend hemodialysis.
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR ELECTROLYTE DISORDER?
An electrolyte problem can affect anyone. Because of their medical history, certain persons are at a higher risk. The following conditions enhance your chances of developing an electrolyte disorder:
- Drinking disorder
- Cirrhosis
- Trauma, like serious burns or fractured bones
- Thyroid problems
- Adrenal gland disorders
- Congestive heart failure
- Kidney disease
- Eating disorders like bulimia and anorexia
HOW CAN ELECTROLYTE DISORDER BE PREVENTED?
To help prevent electrolyte imbalances, follow this advice:
- If you have persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or sweating, remain hydrated.
- Consult your doctor if you are having common electrolyte imbalance symptoms.
- If drugs or underlying illnesses are causing the electrolyte issue, your doctor will alter your prescription and address the underlying disease. This will aid in the prevention of future electrolyte abnormalities.
