A blood test that looks at your kidney function is important as well. Your doctor may want to perform a physical exam or order extra tests to confirm a suspected electrolyte disorder.
These additional tests will vary depending on the condition in question. For example, hypernatremia too much sodium can cause loss of elasticity in the skin due to significant dehydration. Your doctor can perform a pinch test to determine whether dehydration is affecting you.
They may also test your reflexes, as both increased and depleted levels of some electrolytes can affect reflexes. In general, certain treatments are used to restore the proper balance of minerals in the body. These include:. Intravenous IV fluids , typically sodium chloride, can help rehydrate the body. This treatment is commonly used in cases of dehydration resulting from vomiting or diarrhea. Electrolyte supplements can be added to IV fluids to correct deficiencies. IV medications can help your body restore electrolyte balance quickly.
The medication you receive will depend on the electrolyte disorder you have. Medications that may be administered include calcium gluconate, magnesium chloride, and potassium chloride. Oral medications and supplements are often used to correct chronic mineral abnormalities in your body.
They can help replace depleted electrolytes on a short- or long-term basis, depending on the underlying cause of your disorder. Once the imbalance has been corrected, your doctor will treat the underlying cause.
Although some of the supplements can be purchased over the counter, most people with electrolyte disorders get a prescription for supplements from their doctor. One way to get the blood to flow to this artificial kidney is for your doctor to surgically create a vascular access, or an entrance point, into your blood vessels.
This entrance point will allow a larger amount of blood to flow through your body during hemodialysis treatment. This means more blood can be filtered and purified. Your doctor may also decide on hemodialysis treatment if the electrolyte problem has become life-threatening. Anyone can develop an electrolyte disorder.
Certain people are at an increased risk because of their medical history. Conditions that increase your risk for an electrolyte disorder include:. Follow this advice to help prevent electrolyte disorders:. The most common sign of low electrolytes is muscle cramping, which can be excruciating and debilitating.
The best way to keep electrolytes balanced in your body is by paying attention to your thirst. Jones recommends drinking about two cups of fluid two hours before any physical activity. Then, try to drink 4 to 6 ounces every 15 to 20 minutes during physical activity. Finally, have a drink after you finish exercising. Staying hydrated is key to maintaining a balance of electrolytes. Water is the most natural choice for hydration. It is less expensive and more available than any other drink.
Coconut water is another alternative for replenishing electrolytes. Coconut water is low on the glycemic index, so it won't dramatically affect your blood sugar. Studies have also shown that it may help reduce blood pressure and cholesterol — a heart-healthy reason to drink it. However, sports drinks are often more appealing. The symptoms of electrolyte imbalance are based on which of the electrolyte levels are affected.
If your blood test results indicate an altered potassium, magnesium, sodium, or calcium levels, you may experience muscle spasm, weakness, twitching, or convulsions. Blood test results showing low levels may lead to: irregular heartbeat, confusion, blood pressure changes, nervous system or bone disorders.
Blood test results showing high levels may lead to: weakness or twitching of the muscles, numbness, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and blood pressure changes.
Your history of symptoms. A physical examination by your healthcare provider. Urine and blood test results. If there are other abnormalities based on these findings, your healthcare provider may suggest further testing, such as an EKG.
If you have an electrolyte imbalance due to kidney problems, your healthcare provider may want to do an ultrasound or x-ray of your kidneys. Have questions about chemotherapy? The levels of electrolytes in your body can become too low or too high.
This can happen when the amount of water in your body changes. The amount of water that you take in should equal the amount you lose. If something upsets this balance, you may have too little water dehydration or too much water overhydration. Some medicines, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and liver or kidney problems can all upset your water balance. Treatment helps you to manage the imbalance. It also involves identifying and treating what caused the imbalance.
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