Potassium belongs to the category of macronutrients, without which human existence is impossible. The cardiovascular, muscle and endocrine systems react sharply to a mineral deficiency, and potassium channels in the brain play an important role in memory and learning processes. According to statistics, every fifth inhabitant of the Earth at least once encountered symptoms of hypokalemia. The main task of etiotropic therapy is to determine the cause of the disorder as early as possible and begin to restore the water-electrolyte balance in the body.
Medical certificate
A decrease in the concentration of potassium in blood plasma below 3.5 mmol / L, with the established norm from 3.5 to 5.5 mmol / L, indicates hypokalemia. The indicator depends on the age, gender of the patient, climatic conditions. The mineral level in expectant mothers varies in accordance with the gestational age. During childbirth, a woman loses a lot of blood, so moderate hypokalemia in the puerperal period is considered a normal option.
The lion's share of potassium (up to 90%) is in the intracellular space, blood and bone tissue contain the remaining 10%. The macrocell is responsible for the normalization of blood pressure, coordinates the heart rate, increases physical endurance and stress resistance, and helps to eliminate toxins and allergens from the body. Below we will focus on diagnostic methods, symptoms, causes and treatment of hypokalemia.
Diagnostic measures
Serum potassium levels are determined using a biochemical blood test. In order to clarify the etiology of hypokalemia, the concentration of sodium, magnesium and nitrogen compounds (creatinine and urea) in the blood plasma is calculated. Additional data can be obtained in the study of acid-base balance (ACR) and extracellular fluid volume. Some changes in the ECG, namely depression of the ST segment, smoothness of the T waves, the appearance of a pronounced U wave, indicate a macroelement deficiency.
An important role in the diagnosis is played by a survey and a physical examination of the patient. The clinical symptoms of hypokalemia in young children are more difficult to recognize, because they still cannot clearly describe their condition. Analysis of the content of chloride in the urine will confirm or exclude Bartter’s syndrome.
Hypokalemia: symptoms of the disease
At an early stage of hypokalemia, pathological weakness and dizziness are felt. Deficiency of macronutrient affects clarity of mind, manifested by apathy, anxiety-phobic disorders. Since the targets of hypokalemia are cells of muscle and nerve tissue, patients become distracted, irritable, there are problems with memory and concentration, and performance decreases.
The clinical symptoms of hypokalemia include:
- Muscle weakness.
- Arterial hypotension.
- Poor appetite, dyspeptic symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea).
- Insomnia, headache.
- Dry skin and brittle hair.
- Hand tremor, nervous tics.
- Cramps and paralysis of limbs.
As a rule, in children and adults with a diagnosis of hypokalemia, the volume of urine excreted per day increases. With nocturia, the sleep pattern is disturbed, which leads to increased fatigue in the daytime. Deficiency of the macroelement adversely affects the motor activity of the gastrointestinal tract: smooth muscles of the intestine lose their tone, relaxes, problems arise with the digestion of food, and the reservoir and evacuation functions of the stomach are disturbed. Symptoms of hypokalemia can be confused with usual overwork, food poisoning or vitamin deficiency, so doctors strongly recommend donating blood for biochemistry at least 1 time per year.
Etiological factors
Potassium deficiency in the body is associated with insufficient intake of the mineral with food or its redistribution between cells and extracellular fluid with iv administration of epinephrine, insulin, folic acid and vitamin B 12 . Quite often, hypokalemia is the result of excessive loss of potassium through the gastrointestinal tract or kidneys (vomiting, upset stomach, taking diuretics).
In addition, the development of symptoms of hypokalemia is due to:
- Metabolic alkalosis.
- Primary or secondary hyperaldosteronism.
- Chronic heart failure.
- Cirrhosis of the liver.
- Thyrotoxicosis.
- Hypomagnesemia.
- Prolonged aspiration of the contents of the stomach.
- Excess hormones of the adrenal cortex with Itsenko-Cushing's syndrome.
Prolonged depression and psychoemotional overload lead to hypokalemia. A rare hereditary disease called paroxysmal myoplegia is characterized by a sharp decrease in serum potassium levels during the attack. The high-risk group includes patients suffering from hypertension, diabetes mellitus, anorexia nervosa, and malabsorption syndrome. People over 65 years of age, as well as pregnant and lactating women, need to know what are the symptoms of hypokalemia in a person, what it is and how to prevent the further development of the disease.
False hypokalemia
Long workouts in the gym, unbalanced diet, including debilitating methods of losing weight, decreased or lack of appetite, dehydration and constant stress affect the concentration of potassium in the blood plasma. Women after 50 years of age experience symptoms of hypokalemia due to hormonal changes in the body. Asthma, exacerbation of COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), heart failure, and some other pathologies of the cardiovascular system are accompanied by massive release of catecholamines into the blood, an excess of which leads to pseudo-hypokalemia. Alcoholic beverages, a large number of sweets, strong tea and coffee interfere with the natural assimilation of macronutrients.
The association between the symptoms of hypokalemia and the treatment of diabetic ketoacidosis is due to the infusion of exogenous insulin, which temporarily lowers serum potassium. Patients with severe leukocytosis should be prepared for a false-positive result. During prolonged storage of blood tubes under in vitro conditions, isolated white blood cells quickly capture K ⁺ from the incubation medium. In rare cases, hypokalemia is associated with systematic eating of clay (lithophagy). In the past, the phenomenon was encountered in "hungry" times, now eating disorder is observed exclusively in children and pregnant women.
Potassium Deficiency in Pets
Muscle weakness is the main symptom of hypokalemia in dogs and cats. Animals are reluctant to move, hunch, gait becomes insecure, appetite is reduced or completely lost. Lack of potassium is also manifested by ventroflexion of the neck (forced position of the head not higher than the level of the withers). Up to 30% of cats with chronic renal failure suffer from hypokalemia.
The concentration of electrolyte in the blood is regulated by aldosterone, with increased synthesis of the hormone, the kidneys are not able to retain potassium. Why are symptoms of hypokalemia so often observed in Burmese cats is unknown. It was only established that the defect is inherited in an autosomal recessive manner. As in humans, the mineral is excreted from the body of the animal through the kidneys, so potassium in the daily diet should be enough to compensate for its loss in the urine.
Drug approach
The treatment of hypokalemia is mainly aimed at filling the deficiency of the macronutrient and eliminating the root cause of the violation. Vomiting is successfully stopped by Motilak, Tserukal or Metoclopramide preparations; in case of indigestion, antidiarrheal symptomatic agents are prescribed (Loperamide, Imodium, Diara and others). Endocrine or autoimmune pathologies are treated with hormones, in particular corticosteroids. Diuretic tablets like Triamteren or Spironolactone do not affect potassium excretion, so they can be safely prescribed for patients in need of diuretics.
With a deficiency of a mineral in the body, potassium replacement therapy gives excellent results:
- "Asparkam". One of the most affordable drugs from the metabolic group. "Asparkam" compensates for the lack of magnesium and potassium in the cells, restores the pH balance. If you drink the medicine 30 minutes after eating, the acidic environment of the stomach will not affect its effectiveness.
- "Potassium orotate". A non-steroidal drug is involved in lipid, protein and carbohydrate metabolism, strengthens the heart muscle. To get rid of the symptoms of hypokalemia, tablets are taken on an empty stomach at a rate of 10-20 mg per 1 kg of body weight per day.
- "Panangin". The heart suffers a lack of potassium. "Panangin" normalizes heart rate, stimulates coronary blood flow, and prevents the development of atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction.
- Kalinor. Potassium in effervescent tablets "Kalinor" is present in the form of citrate monohydrate and bicarbonate. The combined agent is prescribed for hypokalemia (less than 3.2 mmol / l), disorders in the functioning of the neuromuscular apparatus, and cardiac arrhythmia.
Patients tolerate liquid forms of potassium salts worse than tablets or capsules. Invasive administration of drugs can lead to rebound hypokalemia, or cause a sharp increase in the concentration of the mineral in the blood. Typically, solutions of potassium chloride, potassium citrate or potassium bicarbonate are used for intravenous injection. Dosage is selected strictly individually. Uncontrolled medication threatens with gastric bleeding, convulsions, blockade of the cardiac conducting system. With the development of life-threatening symptoms of hypokalemia, treatment is carried out in an inpatient setting.
Traditional Healer Tips
Liquid dosage forms are quite popular among homeopaths : extracts, infusions, decoctions, etc. Tincture of belladonna, sage, centaury, eleutherococcus extract, St. John's wort and meadow clover provoke increased secretion of gastric juice, thereby causing appetite. Parsley, lemongrass fruits, raspberry, mint and nettle leaves are rich in vitamin A and tocopherol, which improve the condition of hair, nails and exhibit wound healing properties. In case of hypokalemia, include salads from sauerkraut, onions or previously soaked dandelion leaves in the daily menu, but licorice root, on the contrary, helps to remove the mineral from the body, destroys muscle tissue.
Some effective recipes for traditional medicine:
- Infusion based on hawthorn. Brew 1 tbsp. a spoonful of dried and chopped hawthorn fruits 200 ml of boiling water. Insist the product in a thermos for about 2-3 hours. After the specified time, strain the liquid through a 3-layer gauze or strainer. With hypokalemia, it is recommended to drink an infusion of 2 tbsp. tablespoons 3-4 times a day.
- A decoction of rose hips. Fill cinarodia (1 tbsp. L.) With a liter of boiled water. Strain raw materials for 5 minutes in a water bath. Remove the saucepan from the stove and leave in a dark, cool place for 24 hours. Drink 0.25 cups before meals. A rosehip decoction gently relieves the symptoms of hypokalemia in children and adults, stimulates blood formation processes, and accelerates metabolism.
- Beet tops. To prepare a medicine for hypokalemia, pour 1 tbsp. l finely chopped beet leaves with a glass of boiling water. After an hour, the drink is ready to drink. To increase the concentration of potassium in the blood, take 50 ml of infusion per day.
Power Features
Potassium, translated from Arabic, means "plant ash", because the main source of macronutrients are plant products. Potassium compounds enter the body mainly with food, or in the form of dietary supplements. The recommended daily intake for adults is 1,800 to 5,000 mg. Potassium is necessary for the normal growth, physical and mental development of the child. The daily requirement of children for an irreplaceable mineral is 600 - 1,700 mg, in other words, from 16 to 30 mg per 1 kg of body weight.
If hypokalemia is included in the diet:
- Fresh fruits and greens (avocados, kiwi, bananas, apricots, peaches, spinach, parsley).
- Milk.
- Legumes.
- Tomato products.
- Potatoes, carrots, cucumbers.
- Sea fish (pollock, salmon, horse mackerel, sprat, tuna).
- Cauliflower and white cabbage, broccoli.
- Bakery products with bran.
To support the heart, you can prepare a nutritious mixture of prunes, raisins, walnuts and dried apricots. To do this, mix chopped nuts and dried fruits in equal proportions, add honey to taste. Chocolate contains natural nervous system stimulants - potassium and magnesium, as well as iron, calcium, and B vitamins. Compotes and freshly squeezed juices, especially grape, orange, lemon and carrot, will bring invaluable health benefits.
Symptoms of hypokalemia and hypomagnesemia in humans are very similar. Ironically, both macronutrients are abundant in seaweed, cereals, avocados, lentils, cocoa powder, cottage cheese and sour cream, so these products can be safely consumed until the diagnosis is clarified. It is important that potassium is preserved in the prepared dishes in full. Give preference to fresh and baked fruits, steam cutlets of fish or meat. Jacket potatoes are the record holder for the mineral content among vegetables. Note that during heat treatment, most of the potassium dissolves in water, therefore, products must be boiled in a minimum amount of liquid.
How to prevent a violation
The complex of preventive measures includes the organization of a proper diet, moderate physical activity. Avoid low-calorie diets (less than 800 kcal per day), when cooking legumes, fruits and vegetables, do not break the rules of heat treatment. Follow the optimal rhythm of sleep and wakefulness, give up bad habits. If possible, replace diuretics that promote the elimination of micro and macro elements from the body, potassium-sparing diuretics. As a result of rupture of muscle fibers, a large amount of potassium is released from myocytes, therefore, power and traumatic sports with hypokalemia are strictly prohibited.
So, we got acquainted with the features of the treatment of hypokalemia, the causes, signs and symptoms of electrolyte disturbance. It is not recommended to ignore the problem - the lack of competent and timely therapy threatens with glycoside intoxication, acid-base imbalance, depletion of the insular apparatus, and other complications. At the first alarming calls, reconsider your attitude to lifestyle, health in general, in no case do self-medicate. Be prudent and take care!