Electrolyte Imbalance Treatment & Symptoms

Fluid absorption, heart and nerve function, muscle coordination, and concentration all depend on properly balanced levels of electrolytes. High or low electrolyte levels can cause a number of health problems and, if not treated, can result in death. The main electrolytes, calcium, potassium, and sodium, when not balanced, cause specific symptoms and require immediate treatment.

About Electrolytes

• Electrolytes are salts that conduct electrical impulses throughout the body. Normally, the kidneys regulate fluid absorption, filtering and excreting calcium, potassium, and sodium to maintain proper electrolyte balance with a narrow range of fluctuation. High or low levels of electrolytes can be caused by dehydration, medications, medical conditions, or poor diet. Electrolyte levels are usually measured in blood and urine.

Calcium

• Hypocalcemia, or low calcium level, can be cause by sepsis, low levels of parathyroid hormone, hypothyroidism, vitamin D deficiency, certain medications and certain medical conditions. Symptoms include weakness or numbness in the hands and feet, followed by confusion and seizures.

  Hypercalcemia, high levels of calcium, can occur when bone is broken down, releasing calcium into the bloodstream. Excess parathyroid hormones and certain cancers can also cause hypercalcemia. Dehydration, nausea and vomiting, loss of appetite and confusion are frequent symptoms of hypercalcemia.

Potassium

• Hypokalemia, or abnormally low levels of potassium, occurs when the adrenal gland retains hormones, signaling the kidneys to conserve potassium. Hypokalemia is most often caused by diuretic medications, dietary deficiencies, diarrhea and magnesium deficiency. Symptoms include cardiac arrhythmia, irritability, weakness and paralysis.

  Hyperkelamia, abnormally high levels of potassium, is most often caused by physical trauma. Potassium is released into the bloodstream when cells are damaged. Hyperkelamia can be caused by chemotherapy, burns, hemolysis (red blood cell destruction caused by burns or infections), renal failure and certain medications. The symptoms of hyperkelamia include cardiac irregularities, tingling in the extremities, numbness and weakness.

Sodium

• Hyponatremia, or low sodium levels in the blood, is the most common electrolyte imbalance. It is typically caused by conditions such as water retention and renal failure. Symptoms of hyponatremia include fatigue, weakness, headache and nausea, followed by confusion, seizures and coma.

  Hypernatremia, or high sodium levels in the blood, occurs when fluid is lost and not replaced. Diabetes, diarrhea, vomiting, physical exertion and sweating, and excessive salt intake can cause hypernatremia. Common symptoms include delirium, muscle twitching and irritability.

Treatments

• Treatment for low electrolyte levels typically includes supplements or intravenous doses of the electrolyte. For high electrolyte levels, treatment usually means increasing fluid intake. More involved treatments may be advised for individuals with specific health conditions. For example, diabetics suffering from hypernatremia may be given nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or synthesized hormones, to aid in fluid retention and decrease urination. Hyperkalemia may be treated with insulin and glucose paired with albuterol, to aid in cell absorption of potassium.