Your kidney is prone to so many conditions you are not even aware of. One of them being Hyperkalemia. It is a condition in which the potassium content increases. Let us read on to know what are the main causes, symptoms and other important points that can lead to the condition. Remember always that prevention is always better than cure.
(People Also Like To Read: Alcohol and Diabetes: A Never Good Enough Match)
What is Hyperkalemia?
As per the National Kidney Foundation, “High potassium (called “hyperkalemia”) is a medical problem in which you have too much potassium in your blood. Your body needs potassium. It is an important nutrient that is found in many of the foods you eat. Potassium helps your nerves and muscles, including your heart, work the right way. But too much potassium in your blood can be dangerous. It can cause serious heart problems.”
Reasons you might get Hyperkalemia
There are major reasons what can cause the high potassium in your body, learn the causes beforehand in order to know.
Kidney Disease
Hyperkalemia can happen if your kidneys are not working well. It is the organ and its function to balance the amount of potassium taken in with the amount lost in the urine. Potassium is taken in through the foods you eat and the liquids you drink.
It is filtered by the kidneys and lost through the urine. In the early stages of kidney disease, the kidneys can often make up for high potassium. But as kidney function gets worse, they may not be able to remove enough potassium from your body. Advanced kidney disease is a common cause of hyperkalemia.
A diet high in potassium
Eating too much food that is high in potassium can also cause hyperkalemia, especially in people with advanced kidney disease. Some of these items being banana and dry fruits.
Drugs that prevent the kidneys from losing enough potassium
Some drugs can keep your kidneys from removing enough potassium. This can cause your potassium levels to rise. This can result in the cause of hyperkalemia.
(You Might Also Like To Read: No Community Spread In Maharashtra, Says Health Ministry)
What can be the symptoms of Hyperkalemia?
When the symptoms of the condition are felt. You start feeling nausea and vomiting might occur as well. There is nothing specific that can be categorized as a symptom, it is more of how your body reacts to the extra potassium. You may feel some muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, nausea, or other unusual feelings. It usually develops slowly over many weeks or months and is often mild. It can recur.
How do you know you have Hyperkalemia?
Well, in most cases it is through a blood test that you might get to know that you are suffering high potassium content. our healthcare provider will also give you a complete physical checkup. You will be asked about your medical history, your diet, and the medicines you take. This will help find out what caused your hyperkalemia and plan your treatment. Book a doctor’s appointment to understand your condition better.
Hyperkalemia, when mild can be tackled well. It is, however, advisable to start the treatment so that things are not out of hand. You can order medicine online from our app as well. For more information, you can visit our website.
(People Also Like To Read: 7 Things You Need To Know Before You Order Medicine Online)
About GoMedii: GoMedii is a Healthcare Technology Platform That Works Out Your Treatment / Surgery the Way You Need & Plan. A Treatment partner that simplifies the patient journey at every step. Drop Your Queries for the most affordable & world-class treatment options.You may simply download the GoMedii app for Android or iOS.