Electrolyte Imbalance

An electrolyte imbalance is when the amount and concentration of certain important minerals in your blood falls outside the normal range. Electrolyte imbalances can cause problems themselves, but they are also often indicators of other problems in the body. For that reason, they play an important role in the diagnosis of many different medical conditions.

Electrolyte imbalances can be caused by a variety of conditions. Any time you lose a lot of fluids from your body, you are at risk of certain electrolyte imbalances.
Some causes are:
• Prolonged exercise with lots of sweating
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Severe burns
• Kidney problems
• Diabetes
• Gastrointestinal problems
• Liver problems
• Lung problems
• Cancer
• Sepsis
• Recent trauma or surgery
• Alcohol and illicit drug use

Due to the numerous causes symptoms may vary but some common symptoms include:
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Confusion
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Frequent urination
• Constipation
• Increased heart rate
• Muscle cramps or muscle weakness
• Poor coordination when walking

Diagnosis of an electrolyte imbalance can be performed with simple blood and urine tests. However, these tests will not tell you why you have an electrolyte imbalance, this will often take some more investigation from your physician.

Treatment of an electrolyte imbalance will usually begin with treating the underlying cause. Once your physician determines the cause they will suggest an appropriate treatment plan which may include:
• Adjusting electrolyte intake through nutrition and lifestyle changes
• Correcting over-hydration or dehydration condition
• Medications to address underlying cause
• Monitoring and adjusting your treatment as needed