The complications of hypokalemia are the most common

We all know about the disease called hypokalemia. The complications of this disease are relatively serious. It can cause patients to have stomach pain, bloating, and also be accompanied by symptoms of nausea and vomiting. If it is not effectively treated, there will be many complications. Next, let's take a look at the common complications of hypokalemia.

1. Digestive system

Hypokalemia can cause weakened intestinal motility. Mild cases may cause loss of appetite, nausea, and constipation. Severe hypokalemia may cause abdominal distension and paralytic ileus.

2. Cardiovascular system

When blood potassium is low, myocardial excitability generally increases, and palpitations and arrhythmias may occur. In severe cases, atrioventricular block, ventricular tachycardia and ventricular fibrillation may occur, and finally the heart stops beating in a contraction state. In addition, it can also cause decreased myocardial tension, heart enlargement, peripheral vascular dilation, and decreased blood pressure.

3. Neuromuscular system

It manifests as decreased nerve and muscle irritability, weakness of the limb muscles, flaccid paralysis, slow or absent tendon reflexes and other kidney disease symptoms. In severe cases, breathing difficulties and even coma may occur.

4. Urinary system

Long-term hypokalemia can cause potassium-deficient nephropathy and renal dysfunction, decreased renal concentrating function, polyuria with low specific gravity, especially increased nocturia. This may be due to damage to distal tubular cells, reduced response to antidiuretic hormone, and reduced water reabsorption capacity. In addition, potassium deficiency will cause the bladder smooth muscle tension to decrease, urinary retention may occur, and patients are often prone to pyelonephritis.

5. Acid-base balance disorder

Hypokalemia can lead to metabolic alkali poisoning.

We all have a clear understanding of the common complications of hypokalemia. We should actively cooperate with doctors for treatment in life to prevent the disease from posing a threat to health. Patients should also actively exercise in life to prevent the severity of the disease. Try not to eat some irritating and irritating foods. I wish you all a speedy recovery.