Symptoms Of Potassium Deficiency

By Author: Rob Thomas
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Potassium is very vital in our bodies as it facilitates muscles and cells to operate efficiently. Potassium shortage is also referred to as Hypokalemia. It depicts a condition whereby the blood has a low concentration of potassium. In its minor stage, the condition does not cause any symptoms. Nevertheless, in rare cases it might cause blood pressure to escalate. In average phases, muscle cramps and muscle weakness may be faced.
Other symptoms of hypokalemia are:

Tiredness

Skin blistering, dryness and eruptions
Memory problems such as memory loss
Ringing in the ear
The digestive system may be affected and cause improper sleep, depression and constipation

Causes of Potassium Deficiency

1. Insufficient intake of Potassium - this is the first reason to consider in the case of potassium shortage. This is due to having a diet that does not incorporate sufficient amounts of potassium.
2. Heavy loss of fluid from the body - the most common way in which this takes place is through diarrhea, extreme perspiration or surgery. Vomiting is also a means of heavy fluid loss. ...
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3. Use of drugs - the consumption of certain medications can cause potassium to be lost through urine. Types of medications which results causes loss of potassium through the urine are the cancer medication cisplatin, the antifungal medication amphotericin B, diuretics and loop diuretics.

Treatment of potassium shortage is concentrated on the underlying causes. This may be done by improving the diet, treating diarrhea or cessation of consumption of the drugs concerned. Minor incidences are remedied with oral potassium chloride supplements. Severe incidences are remedied with intravenous supplementation using saline. It is suggested that the patient intakes potassium-rich foods like green leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, bananas and tomatoes.

Acetylsalicylic Acid

Acetylsalicylic Acid is available under the trade name aspirin. Aspirin is regularly used as it is successful in remedying pain, fever and inflammation in the body. It is a Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drug (NSAID). This group of medication eases minor to average pain brought on by injury, menstrual cramps, and arthritis among other conditions. Aspirin is also used to lessen the hazard of stroke recurring and to prevent heart attack. Aspirin is commonly available over the counter and takes the form of chewable tablets, caplets and tablets.

When taking aspirin, it is recommended to take the lowest effective dose to lessen the consequences that it causes. These consequences vary from individual to individual and are somewhat dose related. The most widespread consequences are:

Ringing in the air
Abdominal burning, pain and cramps
Nausea
Gastritis
Gastrointestinal bleeding
Liver toxicity
Black tarry feaces
Lightheadedness and weakness
Rash

Aspirin should be taken with food or after meals at all times. It is advised not to lie down until 30 minutes after you have taken the medication. Do not crush or chew the tablets unless they are chewable. This will lessen the efficiency of the medication.
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Please visit this link for more information on Potassium Deficiency and this link for information on Potassium Nitrate.