Electrolytes are chemical body fluids that include chloride, phosphate, potassium, sodium, and calcium. These are the essential minerals in your body that are essential for nerves and muscle, and also represent your body functions and other critical processes.
Usually, the kidneys maintain the balance of electrolytes as per your body’s requirements. Electrolyte disorders occur when the level of electrolytes in your body is either too low or too high. This is also caused when a person loses a large number of body fluids.
If you're currently suffering from this disorder, visit your best nephrologist doctor in Siliguri to maintain the right balance of electrolytes in your body. A certain deficiency of minerals in your body can disrupt the overall balance and functioning of the nerves, cardiovascular system, and muscles. These substances are obtained from fluids, supplements, and foods.
Symptoms Of Electrolyte Imbalance
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Trembling
- Constipation
- Dry skin
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Numbness
- Dark urine
- Stiff joints
- Fast heart rate
- Muscle weakness
- Dry mouth
- Foul breath
- Irregular heartbeat
- Abdominal cramping
- Muscle cramping
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of perspiration
- Decreased urine output
Causes Of Electrolyte Imbalances
Medical Cause:
- Alcoholism
- Vomiting
- Diabetes
- Diarrhea
- Kidney disease
- Eating disorders
- Liver problems
- Cancer treatment
- Heat exhaustion
- Addison’s disease
- Not eating enough
- Excessive sweating
- Insufficient amount of body fluids
Medication Cause:
- ACE inhibitors
- Certain hormones
- Diuretics
- Calcium supplements
- Potassium supplements
Serious Cause:
- Shock
- Dehydration
Different Types Of Electrolyte Disorders
Here, 'hypo' indicates the lower amount of important electrolytes whereas 'hyper' means excess amounts of electrolytes.
- Calcium:hypocalcemia and hypercalcemia
- Chloride:hypochloremia and hyperchloremia
- Potassium:hypokalemia and hyperkalemia
- Sodium:hyponatremia and hypernatremia
- Phosphate:hypophosphatemia or hyperphosphatemia
- Magnesium:hypomagnesemia and hypermagnesemia
Diagnosis & Treatment Of Electrolyte Disorders
Your health care provider will ask you to perform a few tests to determine what causes electrolyte imbalance such as:
- Blood test
- Physical exam
- Pinch test
- ECG or EKG
The treatment is determined by the cause, type, and severity of the electrolyte imbalance. If your electrolyte disorder occurs due to kidney or heart disease, then you can visit the best hospital in Siliguri to get ultimate relief.
After diagnosing properly, your nephrologist will provide you necessary medications. Drinking enough water, sports drinks, and oral rehydration always help to restore the balance of electrolytes in your body.