Symptoms of an Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolytes are salts commonly found in the blood stream that are crucial to normal bodily functions. An overabundance or deficiency of electrolytes is an electrolyte imbalance.

Causes

• There are a number of possible causes for electrolyte imbalances, including chemotherapy treatment, kidney disease, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, dehydration, eating disorders like anorexia and prescription medications like diuretics.

Types of Symptoms

• Symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance include fatigue, weakness, dizziness and nausea, according to BreastCancer.org.

Time Frame

• Electrolyte imbalances can develop in a few hour when the cause is something sudden like persistent vomiting or diarrhea. When prescription medications or kidney disease cause electrolyte imbalances, symptoms may slowly develop over weeks or months.

Risks

• Untreated, the symptoms of an electrolyte balance usually worsen and can cause heart damage, impaired coordination or concentration and neurological problems, according to the Nephrology Channel.

Considerations

• If you experience the symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance, notify your doctor. With a simple blood or urine test, a doctor can diagnose an electrolyte imbalance and recommend foods or dietary supplements to treat your symptoms and prevent complications.