Symptoms of Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolyte is a common name referring to a group of chemical molecules that can be found in blood, tissues, cells. As these molecules are ionized, they are either positive or negative. They play important roles in daily activities, including regulating the function of neuromuscular, endocrine and excretory Immunotherapy. Potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium are important components of electrolyte.
What are the factors influencing the balance of electrolyte?
Electrolyte levels are related to how much electrolytes you have gotten from diet, how much water in your body and how much electrolytes excreted from kidneys. The aldosterone, a hormone that conserves sodium and increases the loss of potassium, and natriuretic peptides, which increase renal losses of sodium, can also affect the levels of electrolyte.
What are the symptoms of imbalanced electrolyte?
Imbalanced electrolyte may cause dizziness, cramps, irregular heartbeat and even death. However, different electrolyte may cause different symptoms and even the same electrolyte with abnormal levels, either too low or too high, may lead to different symptoms.
Potassium can regulate heart contraction and help maintain fluid balance.
Symptoms of hyperkalemia may include: weakness, nausea and/or abdominal pain, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia),diarrhea ( Diarrhea in Kidney Disease), muscle pain
Symptoms of hypokalemia may include: weakness, paralysis, increased urination, irregular heartbeat(arrhythmia),orthostatic hypotension, muscle pain, tetany
Calcium is necessary for muscle contraction, nerve function, blood clotting, cell division, and healthy bones and teeth.
Symptoms of hypercalcemia may include: fatigue, constipation, depression, confusion, muscle pain, nausea and vomiting, dehydration, increased urination, irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
Symptoms of hypocalcemia may include: muscle cramps and spasms, tetany and/or convulsions, mood changes (depression, irritability), dry skin, brittle nails, facial twitching.
Sodium can maintains fluid balance and necessary for muscle contraction and nerve function. Symptoms of hypernatremia include: thirst, orthostatic hypotension, dry mouth and mucous membranes, dark, concentrated urine, loss of elasticity in the skin, irregular heartbeat (tachycardia), irritability, fatigue, lethargy, heavy, labored breathing, muscle twitching and/or seizures.
Symptoms of hyponatremia include: nausea, abdominal cramping, and/or vomiting, headache, edema (swelling),muscle weakness and/or tremor, paralysis, disorientation, slowed breathing, seizures, coma
Phosphate is negative electrolyte that impacts metabolism and regulates acid-base balance and calcium levels.
Symptoms of hyperphosphatemia may include: tingling in hands and fingers, muscle spasms and cramps, convulsions, cardiac arrest
Symptoms of hypophosphatemia may include: muscle weakness, weight loss, bone deformities (osteomalacia)

If you, especially kidney patients, are suffering from one or more symptoms above, you should consult your doctor for treatment in order to prevent the progression of disease.