Can drinking potassium cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Disease description:
I've been taking potassium recently, and today I suddenly noticed signs of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Can taking potassium cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. He Huipeng
Drinking potassium may lead to upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Ingesting potassium can cause discomfort symptoms such as loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and upper abdominal pain. Potassium ions can irritate the gastric mucosa; therefore, in patients with pre-existing stomach conditions, taking potassium orally may easily result in gastrointestinal bleeding. Hence, patients with gastrointestinal disorders should avoid oral potassium intake.
