For many of us, the only time we hear about electrolytes is when we see an ad about a sports drink designed to replace these minerals following a workout. But electrolytes do a lot more than restore and replenish us after heavy physical exertion: They perform critical functions that help us maintain our heart rate, control our muscles, and regulate internal fluid levels, too.
Something else you may not realize: Optimal kidney function is essential to keep your electrolyte levels in balance. That means if your kidneys aren’t working the way they should, your electrolyte levels can become too high or too low — either way, you can wind up with some serious medical complications.
Our team at Houston Kidney Specialists Center specializes in diagnosing and managing electrolyte disorders related to your kidneys or due to other factors. Here is a brief overview of electrolytes and electrolyte disorders, along with a review of some key symptoms to watch out for.
Electrolytes are minerals that have a positive or negative charge. When dissolved in the fluids inside your body, these minerals release a charge to support nerve functioning and all the other functions described above (plus many more).
Like vitamins and other minerals, electrolytes are found in the foods and fluids you eat and drink. Your kidneys manage your body’s fluids and the electrolytes they contain.
Common electrolytes include:
Each performs specific functions in your body.
Electrolyte disorders occur when your levels of one or more electrolytes are consistently or recurrently too high or too low. While electrolyte levels can vary throughout the day, when electrolyte levels remain outside their normal range over time, problems develop.
Many issues can cause or contribute to electrolyte disorders, including medical conditions and lifestyle factors. Some potential causes include:
Identifying the underlying cause of an electrolyte disorder can be challenging. Our team is skilled in using the most advanced diagnostic tests and technology to identify causes and ensure every patient receives targeted, effective care.
Not surprisingly, since so many issues can cause electrolyte imbalances, the symptoms associated with those imbalances can vary, too — and often, they can be quite subtle, especially in the early stages.
For example, depending on the type of imbalance you’re having and its underlying cause, you might have symptoms like:
Many other conditions can cause these symptoms, too, which is why scheduling an evaluation as soon as possible is so important for your long-term health and your quality of life.
More severe imbalances cause more drastic symptoms, including severe muscle weakness, confusion, seizures, major changes in your heartbeat, or loss of consciousness. These are serious symptoms that require emergency medical attention.
Diagnosing electrolyte troubles starts with a basic blood test to measure the relative levels of the minerals in your blood. Depending on those results, we may order additional bloodwork to focus on specific minerals or other markers, or we may order other diagnostic tests such as kidney function tests or a cardiac evaluation to determine the root cause.
We also review your health history, looking not only at past health issues and familial risk factors, but also at the medications you’re taking. We’ll ask about any recent health changes, such as vomiting or diarrhea, to provide a clearer picture of your overall wellness and identify any potential issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.
Once we identify the cause of the imbalance, we tailor your treatment to suit your specific needs. While some people benefit from lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, or medication, others may require IV therapy or even dialysis to help the kidneys balance fluid levels more effectively.
While an occasional headache or muscle cramp doesn't necessarily mean you have an electrolyte disorder, ongoing fatigue, nausea, muscle weakness, cramping, numbness, tingling, or changes in your heartbeat are definitely reasons to call our office.
To schedule your evaluation, request an appointment online or over the phone at our practice locations in Cypress and Houston, Texas, today.
