Electrolyte Imbalance

Electrolyte imbalance, or water-electrolyte imbalance, is an abnormality in the concentration of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining homeostasis in the body. They help to regulate heart and neurological function, fluid balance, oxygen delivery, acid–base balance and much more

01. What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals, and the body needs them to:

balance its water levels
move nutrients into cells
remove waste products
allow nerves to send signals
enable muscles to relax and contract normally
keep the brain and heart functioning

People get electrolytes from foods and drinks. The kidneys and liver help keep levels of electrolytes balanced. If a person is eating a variety of foods and drinking enough fluids, electrolytes usually stay at the right levels. Examples of electrolytes in the human body include:

sodium
potassium
calcium
magnesium
phosphate
chloride
bicarbonate

When levels of electrolytes become too high or low, this is an electrolyte imbalance. It is not a disease, but it is a sign of another issue in the body.

02. What causes an electrolyte imbalance?

An electrolyte imbalance can happen if a person is dehydrated or if they have too much water in their body. The things that most commonly cause an electrolyte imbalance are:

vomiting
diarrhea
not drinking enough fluids
not eating enough
excessive sweating
certain medications, such as laxatives and diuretics
eating disorders
liver or kidney problems
cancer treatment
congestive heart failure

03.Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance?

The body responds to an electrolyte imbalance in a variety of ways. The effects may depend on which electrolyte levels are imbalanced, how severe the issue is, and whether the person has other health conditions. One study explored data from 996 patients who had received emergency care for electrolyte imbalance. The researchers report that the most common symptoms were:

a fever
shortness of breath
confusion
swelling or bloating
a rapid heart rate
an irregular heartbeat

Other symptoms can include:

irritability
fatigue
numbness
tingling
muscle weakness
twitching
spasms
rapid blood pressure changes
seizures

04.How can electrolyte imbalance corre

If a person has been sick with a short bout of vomiting or diarrhea, or has been sweating heavily, drinking water or an over-the-counter electrolyte solution can help restore the balance of electrolytes.

Many oral rehydration drinks are available in stores, and they may be sufficient if a person has a mild imbalance, with no severe symptoms.

Some people have an electrolyte imbalance due to a health condition, such as kidney or heart disease. In this case, a person may be able to correct the imbalance at home over a period of days or weeks. However, a doctor should monitor this process to be sure that the person is getting the correct amounts.

Taking in high levels of electrolytes without a doctor’s guidance can create another imbalance and lead to health complications. Also, some people require additional treatment to address the underlying issue.

If a person has a more severe case of kidney disease, they may need dialysis to correct an electrolyte imbalance.

Electrolyte imbalances can be dangerous. If an imbalance is severe, a person may need to receive electrolytes through an intravenous, or IV, line in a hospital.