What are the symptoms and risks of potassium deficiency?
Disease description:
I am 35 years old, male. Recently, I have been feeling very fatigued for no apparent reason. After visiting the hospital for a checkup, the doctor told me that I have hypokalemia (low potassium). May I ask, what are the symptoms and risks associated with potassium deficiency?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xin
The symptoms of potassium deficiency are mainly manifested as weakness in the hands and feet, flaccid paralysis of the limbs, and in severe cases, involvement of the respiratory muscles can lead to difficulty breathing or even suffocation. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal distension, and decreased gastrointestinal motility. In severe cases, intestinal paralysis and bowel obstruction may occur. Arrhythmias such as tachycardia, ventricular fibrillation, and even cardiac arrest may also develop.
The main hazards include impaired normal function of muscles and nerves, leading to muscle weakness and difficulty breathing. Severe arrhythmias can be life-threatening, such as cardiac arrest. Long-term potassium deficiency may cause gastrointestinal dysfunction, affecting nutrient absorption. Damage to the nervous system may impair daily activities and work performance; in severe cases, it may lead to coma or death.
