Description
Low potassium level in the blood. Causes of hypokalemia include:
1) medications, especially diuretics;
2) kidney disease;
3) diarrhea;
4) vomiting;
5) eating disorders (bulimia).
The body requires potassium for muscle contraction (including the heart), and for other important bodily functions.
Symptoms
Palpitations, weakness, fainting, muscle twitching, constipation, paralysis.
Tests
Common tests used for diagnosis and treatment
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and urine tests to determine the cause of the disorder may be recommended.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Other Specific Tests: Magnesium
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Family Practice, Pediatric Nephrology
Workup:
A history and physical exam will be performed. Blood and urine tests to determine the cause of the disorder may be recommended.
Tests:
Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), Electrocardiogram (EKG)
Other Specific Tests: Magnesium
Specialists:
Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Endocrinology, Nephrology, Family Practice, Pediatric Nephrology
Treatment
Treatment includes: reversing the cause of the low potassium, and repleting the potassium orally and/or with intravenous potassium. Oral repletion may include foods that are high in potassium (such as bananas, cantaloupe, and yogurt) or a prescription supplement.