What is the difference between hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia?
hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia relate to potassium imbalances in the bloodstream. The normal amount of potassium is called hypokalaemia and higher than normal amounts are called hyperkalaemia. Both conditions can be classified as mild or serious, depending on the degree of deviation from normal levels. The causes of these two conditions and treatment differ for them, although the aim in the treatment of both conditions is to normalize the potassium levels.
A certain level of potassium in the body is essential for the function of healthy cells, especially muscle and nerve cells and heart function. This nutrient is obtained by food and is usually stored in the cells of the body with a small percentage transmitted in the blood. The kidneys remove excess potassium, which is then excreted by the urine. Disruption in this system can lead to hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia.Ffer. High potassium is usually caused by kidney disorders that reduce the kidney ability to remove excess potassium. Cell damage caused by injury, surgery or illnessI can cause many cells to release their potassium into the bloodstream at the same time, leading to hyperkalaemia. The strong consumption of salt replacement can also lead to high potassium.
low potassium levels are most often caused by consumption or absorption of sufficient nutrients. Eating disorders, malnutrition, disease or use of certain drugs may disrupt the consumption or absorption of potassium. It can also contribute to the problem for laxatives. Kidney disease, which leads to excretion too much potassium, can also cause hypokalaemia.
severe or even life -threatening consequences may be based on serious cases of hypokalaemia and hyperkalaemia, including heart attacks. Many people with hypokalaemia do not have any symptoms or only vague symptoms, but some people experience weakness, fatigue, fainting, muscle spasms, stomach cramps, constipation or change in the heart rhythm. Hyperlaemia is similar in that mostPeople have few symptoms or have only vague symptoms such as fatigue, but some people are naughty, have an irregular or slow heart rhythm or weak pulse.
Treatment of hypokalaemia is straightforward and means giving a person of potassium by mouth or intravenously, although any basic conditions or potassium levels need to be treated again. Hyperkalaemia is generally treated with a reduction in potassium consumption, but emergency treatment of severe hyperkalaemia is more complicated. The patient will be given drugs to reduce potassium levels as well as drugs that fight the effects of too much potassium on the body, including intravenous calcium, insulin and glucose.