Hypokalemia: Symptoms, Causes, and What to Do

Potassium is a mineral that is essential for the proper functioning of our hearts, muscles and nerves. The most common causes of low potassium (hypokalemia) are vomiting, excessive use of laxatives, diarrhea and use of diuretics.

Symptoms

• The symptoms of low potassium can range from mild to severe and include fatigue, weakness or cramping of arm or leg muscles, tingling or numbness, nausea or vomiting, constipation, abdominal cramping or bloating, irregular heartbeats, excessive thirst, frequent urination, fainting, depression, confusion, delirium, hallucinations and psychosis.

Treatment

• Diuretics and laxatives should be avoided. Strenuous physical exertion can also exacerbate low potassium. Depending on the severity of the symptoms, a doctor may prescribe potassium in pill form or have it administered through an IV.

Significance

• One out of five people in the hospital have low potassium, and up to 14 percent of patients seen in doctor's offices have relatively low potassium levels.

Diagnosis

• Potassium levels are determined with a blood test. Low potassium is defined as below 3.5 mEq/L.

Warning

• According to the Mayo Clinic, levels of potassium below 2.5 mEq/L can be life-threatening and needs emergency medical treatment.