What are the signs of potassium overdose?
potassium overdose can occur when a person has a high level of potassium, also known as hyperkalaemia. This occurs when potassium levels in the blood exceed 6 million per liter (Meq/L), which may be caused by excessive use of potassium supplements or perhaps kidney failure. Symptoms of potassium overdose are usually serious, such as paralysis, arrhythmia, chest pain and coma. If a person suspects overdose, medical assistance or poison control equipment should be contacted immediately. There is no specified maximum amount of potassium known to be safe, but extremely high doses can be deadly.
Several signs of potassium overdose affect the muscle system of the body. A person could feel limp or have a muscle weakness. It can also cause limbs to feel heavily or full. In severe cases, high potassium levels may also cause paralysis. Usually causes arrhythmia or irregular heart rhythm, it is slowand uneven, as well as low blood pressure. One could also experience chest pain and symptoms that are similar to a heart attack. The confusion can set, or one could slip into a coma. In the case of extremely high potassium levels, this can cause death.
It is usually necessary to seek medical attention or contact the poison control center if it suspects potassium overdose because it can be fatal. The treatment may include alleviating symptoms, taking medication or dialysis. It is also recommended that one refrain from any potassium supplements until the doctor's approval.
In general, there is no maximum upper limit for how much potassium is safe to ingest, but there is a recommended daily amount. Infants zero months should have about 400 milligrams (mg) a day and those from seven to 12 months should have 700 mg. Children one year to three years have a recommended amount of 3 000 mg daily and from four to eight years is 3,800 mg. Those aged nine to 13 years of age can have 4,500 mg daily and age 14 years and more can be 4,700 mg. Excessively high doses of potassium, approximately three times the recommended levels, can be deadly.
Potassium is a mineral necessary for the body to have a properly functioning heart, kidneys, muscles, nerves and digestive system. Supplements are used to prevent potassium deficiency, which may occur in certain diseases such as kidney disease and gastrointestinal disease. Mineral is also naturally present in many foods such as bananas, avocado and potatoes.