Potassium Deficiency Symptoms: How to Deal with?

A study conducted in the National Capital Region of Delhi stated that only 2.9% of adults in the rural regions meet the necessary sodium-potassium ratio, while those in urban areas reach 6.6%.

Our body relies on potassium for a wide variety of reasons. Although the body generally obtains it from the food we consume, it may not be enough. Provided that potassium helps control tense muscular contractions, transmission of nerve signals, and fluid regulation, it is important to maintain a healthy level of potassium. Irregular levels or any sign of lack of potassium can have a negative impact on our body.

What is Potassium Deficiency?

When the body's potassium levels are too low, individuals experience a significant potassium deficiency. Also known as hypokalemia, this condition can cause major health implications in the long run.

When body’s Potassium level drops, the heart, muscles, and neurons, all of which have strong electrical activity, are affected. Moreover, any signs of potassium deficiency effects in humans can be severe. You can experience an irregular pulse, weakness, or even difficulty moving.

What are the Symptoms of K Deficiency?

Although mild potassium shortage symptoms may not turn out to be severe, it may show some evident symptoms. Look for signs like: 

• Fatigue
• Heart Palpitations 
• Tingling and sudden numbness
• Constipation 
• Muscle spasms and weakness

Besides this, some severe signs and symptoms of low potassium levels include: 

• Extreme muscle weakness that can result in paralysis 
• Polyuria (excessive urine)
• Arrhythmia (abnormal heart rhythm)
• Polydipsia (excessive thirst)
• Muscle cramps
• Muscle twitches 
• Hypotension (low BP)
• Frequent fainting/light-headedness

What are the Reasons for Low Potassium Levels in Humans?

Listing out one reason for potassium deficiency can be challenging. There are a number of reasons why a K deficiency can take place. For example, some of the major potassium deficiency problems occur because of the following:

• Your physical activity
• Climate 
• The levels of your sodium intake (table salt)
• Diuretics (water tablets)

In addition, you can develop a risk of potassium depletion symptoms if:

• You have a chronic condition (especially kidney disease)
• Your body has low magnesium levels
• You consume certain medicines like diuretics. (It elevates the quality of potassium your body loses through rine)
• You don’t receive sufficient potassium in your diet 
• You are dehydrated. (This happens with prolonged diarrhoea, vomiting, and excessive sweating)
• You have metabolic issues
• You consume endocrine medications (affecting the hormone).

How are Low K Symptoms Diagnosed?

Generally, sodium and potassium deficiency symptoms are determined by a simple blood test. Your healthcare practitioner will perform a blood test to identify your potassium level.

An adult's normal potassium level should be between 3.5 and 5.2 mEq/L or 3.5 and 5.2 mmol/L. A potassium level of 3–3.5 mEq/L (or 3–3.5 mmol/L) is defined as mild hypokalemia. On the contrary, severe hypokalemia denotes anything less than 3 mEq/L or 3 mmol/L.

Your doctor may also ask you to undergo a basic or comprehensive metabolic panel. This panel of blood tests assesses your kidney function and electrolyte balance.

In case your potassium deficiency is confirmed, your doctor will look into what could be causing it. In case the doctors fail to identify the cause, they will ask for a urinalysis (urine test) to measure the potassium content in your urine.

Additionally, your doctor may recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG). An ECG reads the heart rhythm. An irregular heartbeat may be a major symptom of hypokalemia, and ECGs can sometimes detect irregular heartbeats as well.

Besides this, some other tests to detect low k symptoms include:

• Thyroid hormone
• Calcium, Glucose, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Sodium
• Aldosterone

Treatment of Potassium Deficiency Symptoms

In case your lack of potassium symptoms are mild, your healthcare provider may recommend and prescribe you some oral potassium pills.

However, if your potassium loss symptoms are high, you will have to take potassium through an IV. Nonetheless, if you require diuretics, your doctor will:

• Give you a daily dose for more potassium intake.
• Change the diuretic to a form that helps your body retain potassium. This class of diuretics is known as potassium-sparing.

Furthermore, your doctor may even prescribe you to consume potassium-rich meals. These foods can help treat and prevent low k levels. Some of these foods are listed below:

• Milk
• Salmon
• Bananas
• Carrots
• Avocados
• Peanut Butter
• Bran
• Baked potato
• Cooked lean beef
• Oranges
• Spinach 
• Wheat germ
• Peas and beans
• Seaweed
• Tomatoes

The Sufficient Dose

The recommended daily consumption of potassium is 3,400 mg for males and 2,600 mg for females. However, very few people actually consume the recommended dose. Nonetheless, dietary deficiencies never lead to severe hypokalemia. Fluid loss, starvation, stress, certain medicines, shock, and medical issues like kidney failure are among the many potential causes of low k symptoms.

In case you feel a potential deficiency, make sure you seek the advice of a medical expert. Negligible potassium levels can lead to major health problems if left untreated. In addition, get medical help right away if you feel a change in your breathing rate or heart rate.

>> Also Read: Vitamin D Deficiency Common in Indians

Health Effects of Potassium Deficiency

Hypokalemia is characterised by abnormally low potassium levels in the blood. Potassium is essential for the body's healthy functioning. It is acquired from the food you consume.

Sometimes, it is easy to identify potassium deficiency signs and symptoms. For example, when you vomit, have diarrhea, or use laxatives, it can lead to hypokalemia. Other potassium deficiency causes include adrenal and genetic disorders, specific drugs, and other health issues.

Although these are minor effects of low potassium, some major health complications include high blood pressure, constipation, kidney problems, weak muscles, exhaustion, and cardiovascular diseases. Note that these are not easy to identify and will take time to show up. Each of the health risks entirely depends on the levels and severity of potassium deficiency.

Nonetheless, each of these complications calls for immediate medical attention. In case they are left unnoticed or are untreated, it can even lead to heart stroke. Undoubtedly, treating these will be expensive as well. So, the question arises is how well are you prepared for managing these unplanned expenses?

How Can Insurance Help in Treating the  Symptoms of Low Potassium Levels?

Considering the health complications associated with potassium deficiency, it is important to prepare for the unforeseen future. If the condition worsens, you may experience severe emotional and financial turmoil.

Under such circumstances, it is important to understand the significance of health insurance policies. Health insurance policies offer comprehensive financial protection, thereby ensuring that all your medical expenses and financial obligations are met. The expenses incurred in pre and post-hospitalisation, medications, and therapies can break your bank and exhaust all your hard-earned money.

However, a health insurance policy will act as a financial shield. Care Health Insurance offers comprehensive coverage to individuals who are looking forward to buying an affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan. It acts as a safety net to protect your savings while taking care of medical bills without needing you to pay hefty premiums.

Disclaimers: All plan features, benefits, coverage, and claims underwriting are subject to policy terms and conditions. Kindly refer to the brochure, sales prospectus, and policy documents carefully.