ELECTROLYTE BALANCE – POTASSIUM (HYPERKALEMIA / HYPOKALEMIA)

ELECTROLYTE BALANCE – POTASSIUM (HYPERKALEMIA / HYPOKALEMIA)

Definition: Potassium is an electrolyte that plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of fluids within the body. It helps regulate heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and nerve function.

Types:

• Normal potassium level: 3.5-5.5 mmol/L
• Hyperkalemia: potassium level > 5.5 mmol/L
• Hypokalemia: potassium level < 3.5 mmol/L

Hyperkalemia:

• Causes:
  1. Renal failure or dysfunction
  2. Hemolysis
  3. Rhabdomyolysis
  4. Medications (e.g., ACE inhibitors, NSAIDs)
  5. Addison's disease
  6. Pheochromocytoma
  7. Intestinal obstruction
  8. Ingestion of potassium-containing substances
  9. Electrolyte imbalance due to diarrhea or vomiting
• Clinical Features:
  1. Muscle weakness or paralysis
  2. Fatigue
  3. Palpitations
  4. Shortness of breath
  5. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  6. Muscle cramps
  7. Numbness or tingling sensations
• Diagnosis:
  1. Blood tests (electrolyte panel)
  2. ECG to monitor heart rhythm
  3. Kidney function tests (creatinine, urea)
• Complications:
  1. Cardiac arrest
  2. Respiratory failure
  3. Neurological damage
  4. Kidney damage
• Management:
  1. Calcium gluconate to stabilize cardiac membranes
  2. Insulin and glucose to drive potassium into cells
  3. Beta-agonists (e.g., albuterol) to promote potassium excretion
  4. Potassium-binding resins (e.g., polystyrene sulfonate) to remove excess potassium
  5. Hemodialysis or hemofiltration in severe cases

Hypokalemia:

• Causes:
  1. Diarrhea or vomiting
  2. Diuretic use
  3. Kidney disease or dysfunction
  4. Hormonal imbalances (e.g., Addison's disease)
  5. Certain medications (e.g., laxatives, ACE inhibitors)
  6. Intestinal obstruction
  7. Gastric suction or lavage
  8. Blood loss or transfusion
• Clinical Features:
  1. Muscle weakness or paralysis
  2. Fatigue
  3. Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
  4. Muscle cramps
  5. Constipation
  6. Numbness or tingling sensations
• Diagnosis:
  1. Blood tests (electrolyte panel)
  2. ECG to monitor heart rhythm
  3. Kidney function tests (creatinine, urea)
• Complications:
  1. Cardiac arrest
  2. Respiratory failure
  3. Neurological damage
  4. Kidney damage
• Management:
  1. Oral potassium supplements
  2. Potassium-rich foods (e.g., bananas, avocados)
  3. Potassium-binding resins (e.g., polystyrene sulfonate) to remove excess potassium
  4. Intravenous potassium administration in severe cases

Homoeopathic Therapeutic Approach:

• Hyperkalemia:
  • Natrum muriaticum: for symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramps
  • Ferrum phosphoricum: for symptoms like palpitations and shortness of breath
  • Kali carbonicum: for symptoms like muscle weakness and paralysis
• Hypokalemia:
  • Kali carbonicum: for symptoms like muscle weakness and paralysis
  • Natrum muriaticum: for symptoms like weakness, fatigue, and muscle cramps
  • Ferrum phosphoricum: for symptoms like palpitations and shortness of breath