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Are Painful Muscle Cramps, Nausea And Protracted Diarrhea Symptoms Of Potassium Deficiency?
Question: Having symptoms of several cramps n my front torso that feel like a XXXXXXX horse, nausea, direhea, the cramps feel like labor pains and all of a sudden just lock up and eventually let go. Potassium?
Brief Answer:
It's possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Painful muscle cramps may indeed occur with very low potassium. In such cases, rhabdomyolysis may also occur (destruction of muscle fibers). Protracted diarrhea is a common cause of low blood potassium. If you're otherwise healthy and take no drugs then diarrhea is probably the cause and you should visit the ER as soon as possible for assessment and treatment. If it's low potassium indeed then urgent replenishment is required as this condition may cause even fatal complications.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist
It's possible.
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Painful muscle cramps may indeed occur with very low potassium. In such cases, rhabdomyolysis may also occur (destruction of muscle fibers). Protracted diarrhea is a common cause of low blood potassium. If you're otherwise healthy and take no drugs then diarrhea is probably the cause and you should visit the ER as soon as possible for assessment and treatment. If it's low potassium indeed then urgent replenishment is required as this condition may cause even fatal complications.
Hope I have answered your query.
Regards,
Dr. Panagiotis Zografakis, Internal Medicine Specialist
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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