Electrolyte disorders : Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment

Posted By Suborna Fermi Posted on May 09, 2020

Electrolytes are one kind of automatically created element of our body that plays an important role to control certain functionalities. Calcium, Chloride, Magnesium, Phosphate, Sodium, Potassium etc are some of the examples of Electrolytes that remain in a human body.

The imbalance of these electrolytes are considered as the prime reason behind electrolyte disorders. In other words, electrolyte disorders start to appear whenever the level of any of these electrolytes become too high or two low. Each and every of these remain present in our body-fluids, urine and blood. The three major reasons for Electrolyte disorders are mentioned below for you.

Major causes of Electrolyte disorders

• Excessive loss of body fluids through vomiting, sweating, Diarrhea or bleeding is the most mentionable reason behind electrolyte disorders.
• Certain types of medications may also cause electrolyte disorders.
• Some types of underlying diseases like chronic kidney disease can also cause electrolyte disorders in some cases.

Electrolyte disorders can also be easier to treat if detected at the first stage. This is the reason why knowing about the symptoms is necessary. Some of the major symptoms of electrolyte disorders are mentioned below for you.

Symptoms of Electrolyte disorders

• Fast heart rate
• Nausea
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle cramping
• Irritability
• Headache
• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Numbness

Apart from all these, Vomiting and seizures are also two of the most mentionable symptoms of Electrolyte disorders. There are several types of Electrolyte disorders. Some of them are mentioned below for you.

Types of Electrolyte Disorders

Electrolyte level imbalance is the prime reason for electrolyte disorders. In other words, lack or massive increment of certain elements can take the shape of certain types of this disorder.

• Imbalancement of Chloride may cause hyperchloremia or hypochloremia
• Imbalancement of Phosphate may cause hyperphosphatemia or hypophosphatemia
• Imbalancement of Sodium may cause hypernatremia or hyponatremia
• Imbalancement of Calcium may cause hypercalcemia or hypocalcemia
• Imbalancement of Potassium may cause hyperkalemia or hypokalemia
• Imbalancement of Magnesium may cause hypermagnesemia or hypomagnesemia

Electrolyte disorders may also turn serious and may lead to several physical complexions. Fortunately, some types of treatments are available for Electrolyte disorders. All of them are briefly evaluated below for you.

Treatments of Electrolyte Disorders

• Medications: Doctors generally suggest certain kinds of medications that can effectively help to balance the electrolyte elements quickly.
• Intravenous Fluids: Intravenous fluids are also called sodium chloride. It can also plat a key role to rehydrate the body.
• Oral Medications: Specific types of oral medications can help to get recovered from this disorder. Supplements like Potassium chloride and magnesium oxide can Effectively destroy electrolyte disorders.

Medical experts suggest to stay hydrated most of the time to stay away from the risks of electrolyte disorders. However, you also should instantly get in touch with a doctor if any symptom of such disorders are ever noticed.

Disclaimer: This article and everything mentioned in it is mainly for general information purposes only and not to be considered as professional medical advise under any circumstances. Always consult a certified doctor before making changes in your diet, lifestyle habit or starting any medication for yourself.