For The Past Week Or So I Have Been Experiencing

Posted on Sun, 12 Apr 2020

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Sun, 12 Apr 2020 Answered on

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Question : For the past week or so I have been experiencing nausea despite never vomiting. I thought it was a stomach problem so I got a blood test at a gastrologist. My Potassium level was high at 5.9 and my Bilirubin was high at 1.4. Nothing seemed wrong from a gastrological standpoint and I thought the high potassium was due to eating lots of cashews the previous day.
But now I am thinking the high potassium could help explain the nausea. I am nervous it could indicate a kidney problem, because I only have one of them. What should I watch out for?

Answered by Dr. Olgeta Xhufka (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It may show reduced kidney function.

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear, welcome to Ask a doctor's service.
I read your query and here is my advice.
The increased potassium levels ( hyperkalemia) can be the cause of nausea and it shows reduced kidney function.
I think you may need to visit your nephrologist to further evaluate you.
You should continue a low potassium diet avoiding potassium rich foods such sweet potato ,tomato paste, beet greens,potato,white beans ,yogurt,prunes, apricot, carrots etc.
Also avoid pain medications,non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such ibuprofen or naproxen because they can increase potassium too.

Hope I have answered the question.
Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj