Electrolyte Disorder is a condition when there is a total imbalance of essential electrolytes in the body. It can occur when the body has either too high or too low electrolytes for proper functioning in the body. Some of the major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, phosphate, and chloride.
Let’s discuss some evident signs and symptoms for early detection of electrolyte disorder.
Signs and Symptoms:
At the initial phase of electrolyte disorder, there might be very few symptoms. But at the severe stages, symptoms can become more evident.
Some of the common symptoms include:
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Muscle Cramping
- Irritation
- Confusion
- Headache
- Increased heartbeat
- Seizures
- Frequent urination
One should never neglect any such symptoms if noticed. Electrolyte disorder can prove fatal in case of neglect. So, one should take medical help immediately.
Types of electrolyte Disorder:
When there are high levels of electrolytes in the body, it is referred to with the prefix “Hyper”. In case of low levels of electrolytes in the body, the prefix “Hypo” is used.
The major conditions caused by electrolyte level imbalances include:
calcium: hypercalcemia and hypocalcemia
chloride: hyperchloremia and hypochloremia
magnesium: hypermagnesemia and hypomagnesemia
phosphate: hyperphosphatemia or hypophosphatemia
potassium: hyperkalemia and hypokalemia
sodium: hypernatremia and hyponatremia
What can be the cause of electrolyte disorder?
An electrolyte disorder or imbalance can happen if an individual becomes dehydrated or if they consume too much water in their body.
Electrolyte imbalances are most often due to:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Low fluid intake
- Intense sweating
- Certain medications, such as laxatives and diuretics
- Liver or kidney issues
- Eating disorders
- Cancer treatment
Electrolyte disorders are commonly mostly in elderly people or those who are critically ill. Now, look at the various treatment methods you can adopt.
Treatment:
We get electrolytes in our bodies through food and beverages. The kidneys and liver have a key role in maintaining electrolyte balance. If a person eats a variety of foods rich in water content and drinks enough fluids, electrolytes usually stay at the right amounts.
- Rectify Dehydration or Overhydration: A person may need to go for intravenous fluids if dehydration is the cause of imbalance. Similarly, if the person is over-hydrated, they might need to limit their consumption of fluids they are drinking and can switch to diuretics (to help them get rid of extra fluid via the urine easily).
- Adding additional electrolytes in the body: Some people might also need to go for additional electrolytes like electrolyte water or other electrolyte drinks for a short period. This can be given orally or through an intravenous line. At times, a person might be encouraged to take in extra electrolytes by improving the electrolyte content in the food contents.
- Look after underlying medical conditions: The electrolyte imbalance will resolve after the underlying health condition is treated in the first place. Moreover, for someone with relatively mild symptoms of electrolyte disorders, this might be the only intervention needed to cure electrolyte disorders for once and all.
For Instance, take an example of untreated type 1 diabetes where the person has electrolyte imbalance. In this case, getting treatment with insulin and other therapies can help correct the imbalance.
Also, it is crucial to look after any medications that can cause an electrolyte imbalance due to its reactive process on different bodies.
- Try keto-friendly energy drinks to boost your soul: We all crave variety to our diets in order to satisfy our taste buds. Keto-friendly energy drinks can come to the rescue while creating electrolyte balance in the body. They will provide you with the much-needed fluid by balancing the water levels in the body.
Alongside, they are high on a healthy alternative to other carbs-rich drinks. So, quench your thirst and try these keto drinks for an instant health boost.
Risk Factors:
There is a particular age to develop electrolyte disorders. Some major conditions that one can develop electrolyte imbalance are as under:
- Kidney disorders
- Eating disorders
- Too much alcohol consumption
- Heart failure
- Thyroid disorders
- Severe trauma
Conclusion:
Water is the essence of human life. When these requirements are not adequately met, it leads to electrolyte disorders. Electrolyte disorders or electrolyte imbalance is very common among individuals. If detected at early stages, it can be cured easily.
One should always take a close look at the amount of water consumed on a daily basis. Please note anything in excess or restricted amounts can be harmful. So, make these choices wisely under the doctor’s supervision.
