What are the common causes of hypokalemia

Hypokalemia has a great impact on the patient's life. In severe cases, it can cause the patient to be unable to take care of himself, cause paralysis, and even pose a great threat to life safety. Therefore, for ordinary patients, it is important to pay attention to this disease and understand the causes of the disease. Some of them are related to bad eating habits. For example, some patients have an unbalanced diet for a long time and insufficient intake of potassium-containing elements, such as not eating potassium salt, which can easily lead to hypokalemia. In addition, diseases of the cardiovascular system are also an important cause of hypokalemia. The urinary system, cardiovascular system, endocrine system, etc. may all cause such symptoms.

1. Caused by the neuromuscular system

Common symptoms are muscle weakness and paroxysmal flaccid paralysis. The latter may be preceded by muscle weakness. Although the onset is related to the absolute level of plasma [K], it is more closely related to the [K] gradient inside and outside the cell. The greater the gradient, the greater the difference between the resting potential and the threshold potential, resulting in reduced muscle excitability. Paralysis may also occur when plasma [K] rises. Attacks are more common at night and after fatigue, and the limbs are most commonly affected.

2. Cardiovascular system

Low potassium can reduce myocardial excitability and cause various arrhythmias and conduction blocks. Mild cases include sinus tachycardia, premature atrial or ventricular contractions, and atrioventricular conduction block; severe cases include paroxysmal atrial or ventricular tachycardia, and even ventricular fibrillation. Potassium deficiency can aggravate digitalis and antimony poisoning and may lead to death.

3. Urinary system

Long-term hypokalemia can damage the renal tubules and cause potassium-deficient nephropathy. The renal tubular concentration, ammonia synthesis, hydrogen secretion and CL- reabsorption functions can all be reduced or enhanced. The sodium excretion function or sodium reabsorption function can also be reduced. The net result can lead to metabolic hypokalemia and hypochlorite alkali poisoning.

4. Endocrine and metabolic system

Hypokalemia may cause impaired glucose tolerance. Children with long-term potassium deficiency will have delayed growth and development. In patients with hypokalemia, urinary potassium excretion is reduced (30MMOL 24H=40MMOL/24H). Urinary potassium excretion still increases in the case of hypokalemia, which often indicates increased aldosterone secretion and is a clue to the diagnosis of hyperaldosteronism.

5. Digestive system

Potassium deficiency can slow down intestinal motility. People with mild potassium deficiency only experience loss of appetite, abdominal distension, nausea and constipation; severe potassium deficiency can cause paralytic ileus.