Electrolyte disorders include abnormal increases or decreases in minerals needed by the body. General electrolyte disturbances or an imbalance in the minerals mentioned above can cause symptoms such as headaches, dizziness and seizures.
1. The role of electrolytes in the human body
Electrolytes are substances that can dissolve in body fluids, creating ions with a positive and negative charge. These minerals are very important for the body because they help perform nerve and muscle functions, help keep the balance of fluid in the body, blood pressure and blood pH.
Electrolyte disorders are common in people with an imbalanced diet (eating too light, eating too salty, overusing soft drinks, energy drinks, ...) and in people who are in a state of trouble. sick or suffering from systemic diseases. In it, can be mentioned the disturbance of two most important minerals in the group of electrolytes are sodium and potassium.
2. Common problems in electrolyte disturbances
2.1 Sodium Disorders
Na is an important element in the body to help maintain plasma volume, balance the amount of acid - base, transmit nerve impulses and function of normal cells of the body. Sodium is abundant in table salt. Intracellular Na is constantly being renewed due to the exchange of sodium between the inside and outside the cells. Sodium balance in the diet is extremely important for a healthier body. Normal blood sodium concentrations are 135-145 mmol / l. You need to see more documentation: sugar balance review
2.1.1 Increase the concentration of sodium in the blood
Hypernatremia is a condition where the concentration of sodium ions in the blood is high. Initial symptoms may include feeling thirsty, weak, nausea, and loss of appetite. Symptoms worsen when symptoms such as muscle twitching, bleeding in or around the brain.
Electrolyte disturbances
Eating too salty can mess with electrolytes, especially sodium
2.1.2. Reduces blood sodium concentration
Reduced blood sodium levels are also one of the most common symptoms of electrolyte disturbances, which can be attributed to the following:
Losing much salt from the digestive tract, urine, sweat (vomiting, diarrhea, heatstroke, sweating a lot, ...).
Disability of the adrenal cortex.
Severe renal tubular damage, renal failure
Patients being treated with diuretics are also likely to lead to decreased blood sodium levels.
SIADH syndrome (ADH hormone secretion too much causes water retention and reduces the concentration of Na in the blood).
The clinical symptoms of hyponatremia are: thirst, edema, fainting, dizziness, dry mucous membranes, tachycardia, decreased blood pressure in the standing position.
In addition, a decrease in blood sodium levels causes the following consequences:
Causing hypotonic fluid in the cells, the amount of water in cells will increase significantly, reducing blood volume
Reducing blood pressure can cause heart failure, oliguria, kidney failure, and brain edema ...
2.2 Potassium Disorders
Potassium in the body plays a very important role, especially with the cardiovascular system. Potassium levels are closely related to myocardial excitement, conduction, heart rate.
Potassium has a normal concentration in the blood is 3.5 - 5 mmol / l.
In the body, Potassium helps to regulate the balance of water and electrolytes, helping to maintain normal functioning, muscles, digestion, and urinary tract. In addition, Potassium also helps the body to produce protein from amino acids and convert glucose into Glucogen - a major source of energy for all activities of the body. Potassium is found in foods such as bananas, sweet potatoes, radishes, ...
However, like Na, abnormal increases or decreases in blood potassium have negative effects on the organs in the body.
Electrolyte disturbances
Can an electrolyte test be ordered to help determine if there is an electrolyte disturbance?
2.2.1 Increased blood potassium
Hyperkalemia is a common electrolyte disorder that can be fatal if not addressed promptly. Increased blood potassium when the concentration of potassium> 5 mmol / L. Normal serum potassium concentration is 3.5 - 5 mmol / L, whereas the concentration of potassium inside the cell is about 150 mmol / L. Disorders of potassium levels in the blood are often the result of transcellular potassium movement and do not accurately reflect a deficiency or excess of total potassium in the body.
Common causes in patients with hyperkalemia are:
CKD
Anaphylaxis, severe trauma, severe burns, rhabdomyolysis, ...
Acidosis
Hemolysis
Adrenocortical insufficiency
2.2.2 Lowering blood potassium
Hypokalemia may result from displacement of K + ions into cells, loss of abnormal K + through the kidney, loss of extra-renal potassium. In addition, this symptom may also be experienced through fasting, poorly absorbed and patients treated with cortisol, a long-term diuretic.
Hypokalemia will lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, muscle weakness, trembling limbs, decreased reflexes, frequent urination at night. In more severe cases, arrhythmia may occur if the concentration of potassium in the blood is less than 2 mmol / l.
Some of the most recognizable clinical symptoms of people with hypokalemia:
Fatigue, soft paralysis.
Bloating, diarrhea.
Effects on heart function: bradycardia, cardiac arrest ...
Signs of damage to other organs: kidneys ...