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What Is The Connection Between Diarrhea And Low Potassium Levels?
Question: what is the connection between diarrhea and low potassium levels?
Brief Answer:
Severe diarrhea might cause low potassium levels
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Potassium is an important element and is required for the proper functioning of the body. The normal potassium level in blood is 3.5-5.0 mmol/L (millimoles per litre) Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L. There is always an excess of potassium ingested by the body. Excretion of this extra potassium is by the kidneys.
Potassium is usually ingested in good amounts with the food that we take in. There is a lot of extra potassium which is present within us. In mild diarrhea the potassium balance is maintained and there is no significant difference in potassium levels. In severe diarrhea, the potassium levels can go down and cause symptoms like weakness and fatigue (most common) or muscle cramps and pain (severe cases). Some also experience palpitations in the heart.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Severe diarrhea might cause low potassium levels
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Potassium is an important element and is required for the proper functioning of the body. The normal potassium level in blood is 3.5-5.0 mmol/L (millimoles per litre) Low potassium is defined as a potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L. There is always an excess of potassium ingested by the body. Excretion of this extra potassium is by the kidneys.
Potassium is usually ingested in good amounts with the food that we take in. There is a lot of extra potassium which is present within us. In mild diarrhea the potassium balance is maintained and there is no significant difference in potassium levels. In severe diarrhea, the potassium levels can go down and cause symptoms like weakness and fatigue (most common) or muscle cramps and pain (severe cases). Some also experience palpitations in the heart.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Sorry, I misunderstood. Instead of low potassium level, I have a high level.
What causes high level and what are the consequences?
What causes high level and what are the consequences?
Brief Answer:
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
High potassium or Hyperkalemia is a state with increased potassium levels in blood. The main causes of high potassium are due to problems in kidney functioning and precipitated by Acute kidney failure and Chronic kidney disease.
Another possible cause is heavy alcohol or drug use. If you are a heavy alcohol drinker or drug user, your muscles may begin to break down. This breakdown can release a high amount of potassium into your blood from within muscle cells.
Symptoms relating to high potassium levels are the following
(i) fatigue or weakness
(ii) a feeling of numbness or tingling
(iii) nausea or vomiting
(iv) problems breathing
(v) palpitations or skipped heartbeats
You must discuss your condition with your doctors.
Some foods that are potassium-rich include the following and must be avoided if it increases your oral potassium intake
bananas
nuts and beans
milk
apricots
salmon
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find details below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
High potassium or Hyperkalemia is a state with increased potassium levels in blood. The main causes of high potassium are due to problems in kidney functioning and precipitated by Acute kidney failure and Chronic kidney disease.
Another possible cause is heavy alcohol or drug use. If you are a heavy alcohol drinker or drug user, your muscles may begin to break down. This breakdown can release a high amount of potassium into your blood from within muscle cells.
Symptoms relating to high potassium levels are the following
(i) fatigue or weakness
(ii) a feeling of numbness or tingling
(iii) nausea or vomiting
(iv) problems breathing
(v) palpitations or skipped heartbeats
You must discuss your condition with your doctors.
Some foods that are potassium-rich include the following and must be avoided if it increases your oral potassium intake
bananas
nuts and beans
milk
apricots
salmon
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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