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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Cause Low Levels Of Potassium?

Friend has low potassium levels. Sunday she was in the ER with a Potassium I V and her blood work shows continual decrease in potassium levels! Cardiology and Kidney Specialist are baffled. Is this something that an endocrinologist might be able to help with
Wed, 1 Jul 2015
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Diabetologist,  's  Response
Hi,

Thanks for your question.

Hypokalemia (low potassium) may be due to potassium loss either throough gastrointestinal tract (vomitting or loose motions) or loss through kidney in urine.

Potassium loss through kidney is more important as it requires differant types of evaluation.

Potassium loss through kidney may be due to
1) Drug induced :
Certain drugs like diuretics may cause low potassium.
2) Kidney diseases:
Renal tubular diseses or Kidney failure by differant causes may cause low potassium.
3) Endocrinological causes:
Hormonal imbalnces which are related to potassium and sodium balance may cause low potassium.

So it requires evaluation in consultation with endocrinologist, nephrologist and cardiologist.

Hope this helps you, if so do vote.
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What Cause Low Levels Of Potassium?

Hi, Thanks for your question. Hypokalemia (low potassium) may be due to potassium loss either throough gastrointestinal tract (vomitting or loose motions) or loss through kidney in urine. Potassium loss through kidney is more important as it requires differant types of evaluation. Potassium loss through kidney may be due to 1) Drug induced : Certain drugs like diuretics may cause low potassium. 2) Kidney diseases: Renal tubular diseses or Kidney failure by differant causes may cause low potassium. 3) Endocrinological causes: Hormonal imbalnces which are related to potassium and sodium balance may cause low potassium. So it requires evaluation in consultation with endocrinologist, nephrologist and cardiologist. Hope this helps you, if so do vote.