What Is Electrolyte Imbalance?

Electrolytes are essential components of body fluids, such as blood and urine. Typical electrolytes found in the body are sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride and magnesium. They each have an important function in the human body. The human body strives to maintain the correct amount of electrolytes in all areas, replacing any electrolytes lost with new ones to preserve the electrolyte balance. An electrolyte imbalance occurs when the levels are not in normal range and is a serious health situation.

Function

• Electrolytes help regulate water distribution throughout the body and they play a major role in the acid-base balance, or pH, of the body. Some electrolytes, such as calcium, assist in the clotting ability of the blood, or coagulation. Others assist in transmitting nerve impulses by modifying impulses or activating nerve cells.

Balancing Movement

• Organs and glands of the body help maintain electrolyte balance. The heart, kidneys, liver, lungs, pituitary gland and skin work with other body parts to maintain the fluid balance of these needed elements. Electrolytes are lost through sweat and in the gastrointestinal tract. An interesting fact to note is that electrolytes are also absorbed, or gained, in the gastrointestinal tract. They are found in food and beverages. If the body loses more electrolytes than it gains, an electrolyte imbalance will result.

Causes

• An electrolyte balance is usually caused when the level of water found in the body is altered. This can be due to dehydration, excessive sweating, diarrhea, fever, vomiting, or a disorder of an organ or gland . Eating disorders may also result in electrolyte imbalances. Imbalances are more likely to develop in older people, since the kidneys function less effectively as the body ages. A laboratory test performed on blood or urine is used to diagnose an electrolyte imbalance.

Levels

• Low levels of electrolytes have a prefix of "hypo." For instance, a person suffering from hypokalemia has a potassium level that is too low. High levels have the prefix "hyper." so a person who has hypernatremia has a high level of sodium present in the body. Any type of imbalance is dangerous. The body functions optimally when the electrolyte levels are balanced.

Dangers

• Even small abnormalities can cause clinically significant symptoms. A low sodium level may cause confusion and muscle weakness, while a high level may cause paralysis or seizure. Any abnormality in potassium level may present as an abnormal heart rhythm. A lack of calcium in the body fluids can lead to numbness in the hands and feet, while a very high level might result in nausea and vomiting.