What causes potassium deficiency in the body, and what are the associated risks?

Generally, potassium deficiency in the body may be caused by excessive sweating, improper diet, excessive potassium loss through the gastrointestinal tract, excessive potassium loss through the kidneys, excessive secretion of adrenal cortex hormones, etc. The hazards of potassium deficiency include decreased immunity, mental abnormalities, functional dyspepsia, arrhythmia, intestinal paralysis, and so on. If you experience any discomfort, please seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Causes of Potassium Deficiency

1. Excessive Sweating

Sweat contains a certain amount of potassium ions. Excessive sweating can cause loss of potassium ions exceeding intake, leading to hypokalemia. It is important to replenish fluids and electrolytes promptly, such as drinking potassium-containing sports drinks or consuming potassium-rich foods like bananas and potatoes.

2. Improper Diet

Long-term picky eating, selective eating, or insufficient potassium intake in the diet are common causes of hypokalemia. It is recommended to adjust the dietary structure and increase intake of potassium-rich foods such as fresh vegetables, fruits, and nuts.

3. Excessive Potassium Loss Through the Gastrointestinal Tract

Severe vomiting, diarrhea, and similar conditions can cause significant loss of potassium through the gastrointestinal tract, triggering potassium deficiency, which may also present with symptoms such as dizziness and nausea. Treatment should follow medical advice using medications such as montmorillonite powder, levofloxacin hydrochloride capsules, and omeprazole enteric-coated tablets.

4. Excessive Potassium Loss Through the Kidneys

Long-term use of diuretics or excessive single dosage can increase potassium excretion in urine, causing the aforementioned symptoms, which may also be accompanied by fatigue and loss of appetite. It is recommended to follow medical advice using medications such as spironolactone tablets, amiloride hydrochloride tablets, and potassium chloride granules.

5. Excessive Secretion of Adrenal Cortex Hormones

Abnormal secretion of adrenal cortex hormones can elevate corticosteroid levels, leading to increased potassium excretion, which may also be accompanied by irritability and insomnia. Treatment can be carried out under the guidance of a specialist physician using medications such as nifedipine sustained-release tablets, metoprolol tartrate tablets, and bisoprolol fumarate tablets.

II. Hazards of Potassium Deficiency

1. Decreased Immunity

Potassium is one of the essential electrolytes required for maintaining normal cellular function. When potassium levels are low, normal cellular function becomes impaired, leading to decreased immunity.

2. Mental Abnormalities

Potassium deficiency may affect normal nervous system function, causing symptoms such as irritability, low mood, and memory decline. In severe cases, psychiatric manifestations such as hallucinations and delirium may occur.

3. Functional Dyspepsia

Excessive potassium deficiency may affect gastrointestinal motility, impair digestion, and trigger functional dyspepsia.

4. Arrhythmia

Potassium ions play an important role in maintaining normal heart function. Potassium deficiency alters the excitability, automaticity, and conductivity of myocardial cells, making arrhythmia more likely.

5. Intestinal Paralysis

Potassium deficiency reduces the excitability of intestinal smooth muscle and slows peristalsis, leading to intestinal paralysis, which manifests as symptoms such as abdominal distension, abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting, significantly affecting digestive function and appetite.

In daily life, excessive intake of high-carbohydrate foods and sweets should be avoided, as these foods may affect potassium absorption and utilization.