Low Potassium & Abdominal Pain: Causes, Symptoms & Relief

Potassium is an essential mineral and electrolyte required for proper functioning of the body's muscles and cells. Insufficient potassium can lead to abdominal pain when levels drop low enough to induce hypokalemia, a potentially life-threatening condition.

Cause

• Hypokalemia occurs when blood levels of potassium are too low; it can result from kidney diseases, eating disorders or from excessive vomiting, sweating, diarrhea or urination, according to Medline Plus .

Signs

• Abdominal pain from low potassium results from intestinal paralysis and can also cause constipation and bloating, says the Linus Pauling Institute. Other symptoms of hypokalemia are cramps, muscle weakness and fatigue.

Dangers

• Untreated hypokalemia can occasionally lead to paralysis or an irregular heartbeat, according to information from Medline Plus.

When to Seek Help

• Call your doctor if you have stomach pain or any other symptoms of hypokalemia after experiencing any large loss of body fluids.

Treatment

• Potassium supplements, taken under a doctor's supervision, can usually correct hypokalemia. Severe cases may require intravenous potassium.