Potassium Deficiency (Low Potassium) _- Causes, Signs & Symptoms

Potassium is an important electrolyte in our body, which is essential for many functions. Including conduction of nerve impulses, Maintaining a regular heartbeat, And muscle contraction. In addition, potassium helps nutrients move in to the cells and metabolic waste out of the cells.
Normal potassium level in blood is between 3.5 to 5 mmol/L.
Low potassium, or hypokalemia is defined as potassium level below 3.5 mmol/L.
A potassium level between 2.5 to 3 is considered as moderate hypokalemia. And a potassium level below 2.5 is considered as severe hypokalemia.

The most common cause of low potassium is increased excretion from the body. In addition, dietary deficiency, and shift of potassium from blood to the cells can also lead to low potassium levels.
Increased excretion of potassium can occur due to ongoing disease conditions. Such as Cushing syndrome, Primary and secondary hyperaldosteronism, And genetic conditions like Barter and Gitelman syndrome. Certain drugs can also increase the excretion of potassium from our body. Including diuretics like frusemide, hydroclorothiazide, and mannitol, Theophylline and aminophylline, And Verapamil.

Dietary deficiency may result from any of the following. Eating disorders, such as anorexia, or loss of appetite, Starvation, Pica, And alcoholism. Dental problems, leading to impaired ability to chew or swallow. Poverty, where there is inadequate quantity and quality of food. And hospitalization with potassium poor total parenteral nutrition.

Shift of potassium from blood to cells can occur with insulin therapy, Alkalosis, And hypothermia.

Signs & symptoms of potassium deficiency are non specific, and most of them are related to muscle and cardiac functions.

Most common signs and symptoms of low potassium include the following.

Weakness.
Fatigue.
Shortness of breath.
Constipation.
Abdominal distention.
In severe cases, muscle cramps, and breakdown of muscle tissue, also known as rhabdomyolysis.
Some people may also complain of worsening of diabetic control.
Occasionally, some people may have palpitations.
And psychological symptoms such as hallucinations and depression.

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