What is it about ?
Potassium is a mineral that has an important role in the human body. It plays a role in particular in the transmission of nerve impulses and muscle contraction. The amount of potassium in the body is controlled by the kidneys. Too much potassium in the blood (hyperkalaemia) or lack potassium in the blood (hypokalaemia) causes symptoms. Normally, the level of potassium in the blood is between 3.5 and 5.1 millimoles per liter (mmol / liter).
Potassium intake comes from food and drink. The kidneys must pass potassium in the urine in just enough quantity so that the level of potassium in the blood and in the cells of the body is never too high or too low.
A potassium deficiency is rarely due to too little food intake.
The possible causes of this deficit are:
- certain medications, such as some diuretics, laxatives, or medicines that dilate the bronchial tubes (bronchodilators) in certain conditions.
- vomiting and diarrhea (for example in case of severe gastrointestinal infection),
- eating disorders (vomiting in bulimia or anorexia nervosa),
- consumption of large amounts of licorice (often associated with high blood pressure (hypertension)),
- long-term undernutrition,
- increased production of the hormone aldosterone by the adrenal glands (stimulates the kidneys to excrete more potassium in the urine).
Where and how often?
Potassium deficiency is observed in 20% of hospitalized people; most often to a low degree. The deficit is severe in 5% of cases. In general medicine, 10 to 40% of people who take diuretics have a lack of potassium.
How to recognize it?
A slight potassium deficiency causes few symptoms. In case of severe deficit, the symptoms are tired, the muscle weakness, the constipation, urinate frequently or loss of appetite. If the deficit sets in suddenly, symptoms of paralysis are possible. Severe potassium deficiency can cause heart rhythm disturbances.
How is the diagnosis made?
The doctor makes the diagnosis of potassium deficiency on the basis of a blood test. He will also check the function of the kidneys. He will ask you questions to find out the possible cause of the potassium deficiency. a electrocardiogram (recording of heart activity) may indicate a possible heart rhythm disorder. In addition to measuring blood pressure, your doctor may also ask you to collect your urine for 24 hours for additional laboratory tests.
What can you do ?
Especially if you are an elderly person, have your blood tested after 2 to 3 weeks of treatment. And certainly if you also suffer from vomiting or diarrhea.
What can the doctor do?
The treatment depends on several factors: severity of the deficit, how quickly the potassium deficit set in, the underlying cause …
A potassium supplement will be prescribed in case of limited deficit; if the deficit is more severe, it will be administered by infusion. If the potassium deficit is due to poor eating habits, a varied diet will be recommended.
If the deficit results from taking diuretics, potassium supplements are usually not necessary. The doctor will regularly check the level of potassium in the blood and adjust the treatment if necessary.
If you notice a heart rhythm disorder, you must be hospitalized urgently. The doctor will always treat the underlying cause of the potassium deficiency.
Want to know more?
- Diuretics increasing potassium loss – CBIP – Belgian Pharmacotherapeutic Information Center
- Laxatives – CBIP – Belgian Center for Pharmacotherapeutic Information
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