What are the symptoms and hazards of potassium deficiency

The problem of potassium deficiency cannot be ignored, because it can cause serious harm to our health. Potassium is involved in the formation of cells and maintains normal cell metabolism, and it can maintain myocardial contractile function. If potassium is deficient, it will lead to soreness and weakness in the limbs, varying degrees of paralysis in the neuromuscular system, and respiratory failure.

1. Physiological effects of potassium:

1. Participate in the formation of cells and maintain the normal metabolism of cells.

2. Maintain myocardial contractile function,

3. Maintain the excitability of nerves and muscles.

4. Help maintain the body's acid-base balance.

2. Symptoms

The most prominent symptom of hypokalemia is soreness and weakness in the limbs, and varying degrees of relaxation and flaccid paralysis of the neuromuscular system, especially in the lower limbs, which is called potassium deficiency flaccid paralysis. It usually starts in the lower limbs, especially the quadriceps, and manifests as unsteady standing, weakness or difficulty climbing stairs. Later, as hypokalemia worsens, muscle weakness may become more severe, and the strength of the trunk and upper limbs will gradually weaken significantly until it affects the respiratory muscles. In severe cases, respiratory failure may even occur. In severe cases, it may be accompanied by dysfunction of the cardiovascular system, such as chest tightness, palpitations, and even respiratory muscle paralysis, difficulty breathing and serious arrhythmias. Once the disease occurs, you should go to the hospital immediately for potassium supplementation treatment.

3. Hazards

Severe potassium deficiency not only affects muscle strength, but can even induce arrhythmia and cause cardiac arrest. Severe potassium deficiency can also cause paralysis of the respiratory muscles, leading to breathing difficulties and threatening human life. Excessive sweating can cause a large amount of potassium ions in the body to be lost through sweat excretion. At this time, potassium ions should be supplemented while replenishing water in time. If you only replenish water without replenishing potassium ions, your body will be deficient in potassium and experience muscle weakness. If you use sugary drinks to replenish water, the glucose entering the body will prompt potassium ions in the plasma to enter the cells, which may aggravate hypokalemia.