Hypokalemia is a potassium level that's too low. Potassium is needed for normal bodily functions, especially for nerves and muscles. Some medications, like diuretics that cause frequent urination, can contribute to low potassium levels. Also, low potassium can be triggered by diarrhea from illness or from taking too many laxatives. Because the kidneys help keep a normal balance of potassium in the body, kidney disorders can affect potassium levels. Excess vomiting due to illness or bulimia can also cause hypokalemia.
Metabolic Disorders
Metabolic disorders disrupt the body's ability to make or break down carbohydrates, proteins and fats in food. When the body has too much or too little of these substances, major health problems can develop. Metabolic disorders are usually genetic, and the severity can vary. In some cases, dietary supplements, medications and special diets can help treat the disorder.
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Regional Medical Center answeredHypercalcemia can affect muscle function, leading to muscle weakness and potentially fatal heart dysfunction. Hypercalcemia affects the nervous system and can lead to hallucinations, delirium, confusion, emotional problems, and coma. If hypercalcemia continues over a long period of time, kidney stones could form, and the kidneys could suffer damage.
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Dr. Mehmet Oz, MD , Cardiology (Cardiovascular Disease), answeredSee All 2 AnswersTreatment for porphyria depends on the particular type of the condition you have. The term porphyria refers to a group of disorders caused by problems with how your body makes heme, an iron-containing chemical that makes blood look red. Some types of porphyria affect the body's nervous system. Other types, cutaneous porphyrias, cause skin symptoms such as itching, swelling, and blistering, usually in the presence of sunlight. Depending on the type of porphyria you have, your doctor may treat it by encouraging you to avoid the triggers of the disease or using intravenous heme therapy and medication to relieve symptoms. -
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Regional Medical Center answered
When acid-base metabolic disorders occur, the body will naturally try to return the blood pH balance as close to normal as possible. This process is called compensation. The body usually cannot return the blood pH completely back to normal, but it will not overcompensate. Compensated acid-base disorders have mild symptoms or no symptoms.
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Regional Medical Center answeredSee All 2 Answers
Porphyria is a term that refers to a group of disorders-the porphyrias-that affect the nervous system or skin, or both. Each type of porphyria is due to the deficiency of one of the enzymes needed to make a substance called heme in the body. Enzymes are proteins that bring about certain chemical reactions in the body. The production of heme involves a series of eight different enzymes, each acting in turn.
Heme is a red pigment composed of iron linked to a chemical called protoporphyrin. Heme has important functions in the body. The largest amounts of heme are in the blood and bone marrow in the form of hemoglobin within red blood cells. Hemoglobin gives blood its red color and carries oxygen from the lungs to all parts of the body. In the liver, heme is a component of proteins that have many functions, including breaking down hormones, drugs, and other chemicals and generating high-energy compounds that keep the liver cells alive and functioning normally.
The body makes heme mainly in the bone marrow and the liver. The process of heme production is called the heme biosynthetic pathway. Each step of the process is controlled by one of eight enzymes. If any one of the enzymes is deficient, the process is disrupted. As a result, porphyrin or its precursors?chemicals formed at earlier steps of the process?may build up in body tissues and cause illness.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Hyperkalemia is a life-threatening condition that can sometimes be prevented. Acute and chronic kidney disease are the most common causes of too much potassium in the blood. Individuals receiving dialysis can help prevent the buildup of too much potassium in the blood by adhering to their scheduled treatment times. Alcohol and recreational drugs can damage the kidneys and raise the risk for hyperkalemia. Close monitoring of medications and regular blood tests to check for kidney function and potassium levels in the blood will help prevent the condition. Avoid the overuse of potassium supplements and foods high in potassium. Individuals with diabetes should control their condition to avoid acidosis, which results in too much potassium in the blood. Injuries can damage the kidney and lead to hyperkalemia, so use basic safety precautions when engaging in risky activities.
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Regional Medical Center answered
Because hypercalcemia often occurs as the result of hyperparathyroidism, cancer, or rare disorders like Paget's disease, it can be difficult to prevent. If you are immobilized, taking certain prescription drugs like lithium, or suffering from cancer, your doctor can help you prevent hypercalcemia. You can prevent the mild hypercalcemia that occurs as a result of dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Consult your doctor before using calcium supplements, since excessive supplementation can raise blood calcium levels.
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Regional Medical Center answered
To diagnose hypokalemia (low levels of potassium in the blood), the doctor will run a blood test to check potassium levels; however, most cases are found during routine blood tests for other conditions. Other blood tests that may be useful are to check for arterial blood gas (the levels of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood) and pH; BUN (urea nitrogen) and creatinine levels; blood glucose (sugar); levels of other minerals and electrolytes; and levels of a hormone, aldosterone. The doctor will ask for a recent health history including medications, drugs, and supplements taken, as well as whether the individual has been vomiting or experiencing diarrhea. Electrocardiograms (EKG) can be used to determine if the heart has been affected by deficient potassium.
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See All 2 AnswersIf caught early, dehydration can often be treated at home under a doctor’s guidance.
For mild dehydration, rehydration is recommended by drinking fluids.
For moderate dehydration, fluids may need to be given through a vein (intravenous, or IV, line).
Severe dehydration should be treated immediately as a medical emergency. A hospital stay, along with intravenous fluids, will be necessary.
Do not wait until you are thirsty. Drinking water is the best option in most cases. Sports drinks generally are high in sugar, so they are not the best choice during light activity or mild weather. If you are going to be exercising or in hot weather for a long time, sports drinks are recommended to help restore body fluids, electrolytes and salt balance. -
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Regional Medical Center answered
Most porphyrias are inherited disorders, meaning they are caused by abnormalities in genes passed from parents to children. Scientists have identified the genes for all eight enzymes in the heme pathway. Some forms of porphyria result from inheriting an abnormal gene from one parent. Other forms are due to inheriting two abnormal genes-one from each parent. The risk that members of an affected family will have the disease, or transmit it to their children, depends on the type of porphyria.
One type of porphyria-porphyria cutanea tarda-is most often an acquired disorder. It occurs when factors other than genes cause an enzyme deficiency in the liver.
Porphyria can be triggered by any of the following:
Drugs such as barbiturates, tranquilizers, birth control pills, and sedatives
Chemicals
Fasting
Smoking
Drinking alcohol, especially heavy drinking Infections Excess iron in the body
Emotional and physical stress
Menstrual hormones
Exposure to the sun.
This answer is based on source information from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases.