Question 1

why do the elderly need potassium free electrolyte?

Accepted Answer

Not always: It is not true that all older adults must avoid potassium. However if the person has kidney problem, or is on medication (usually for high blood pressure) that causes the body to have problems getting rid of potassium, then it needs to be avoided.

Question 2

what are the signs/symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Various: Look first for weakness, then confusion. In the hospital, very sick people are monitored and sodium, potassium, and acid-based are controlled well. Outside, we see this in people abusing diuretics, overdoing drinking water, folks with renal and/or adrenal disease, and athletes who overdo things in the heat. Symptoms and signs are seldom "textbook".

Question 3

what is the difference between electrolyte imbalance and dehydration? what are symptoms of both to look for?

Accepted Answer

HOMEOSTASIS: Major electrolytes in blood: sodium (na: 135 -148 mmol/l), potassium (k: 3.5-5.5 mmol/l), chloride(cl: 95-105 mmol/l). These must remain  within range to have normal function. If any goes down due to loss, e.G diarrhea/ vomiting or up due to excessive intake or retention e.G kidney failure, it is called electrolyte imbalance.
Dehydration is reduction of fluid in body due to loss or less intake.

Question 4

what effects can having an imbalance in electrolytes have on your body?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: Depending on which electrolyte.
Potassium: too low can cause cramping, too high can cause fatal heart arrhythmia.
Sodium: too low confusion, seizure, brain herniation and death, too high lethargy, weakness, irritability, neuromuscular excitability.
Those are the main ones, can also get calcium multiple symptoms with calcium fluctuations, but not consider a true electrolyte.

Question 5

how do you fix an electrolyte imbalance?

Accepted Answer

Electrolyte imbalanc: It depends which electrolyte(s) are imbalanced and then to try and find a cause.  If they are low, then replace them.

Question 6

what are electrolyte imbalances?

Accepted Answer

Sodium, potassium: These are the most common to have imbalance but also magnesium, calcium, chloride and phosphorus are all electrolytes since by definition they all have electrical charge in the ionic (reactive) state.

Question 7

what is the best to improve electrolyte imbalances in my child?

Accepted Answer

Find out the cause: You should perhaps find out the cause of the imbalance before correcting, as different conditions are treated differently. 
It is paramount to get to the root of the problem as there may be some life threatening or potentially so conditions that if left untreated may get advanced enough to leave permanent damage or even end up in death.

Question 8

can taking steroids cause electrolyte imbalances?

Accepted Answer

: Yes. Depending on the steroid and the dose, and more importantly the disorder for which you are taking steroids, you could develop electrolyte imbalance.

Question 9

how do i check for electrolyte imbalance? what should i do if my medication is causing it?

Accepted Answer

Speak to your doctor: Will adjust the dose or change them , and will repave  and will balance.

Question 10

if you have an electrolyte imbalance can using ppis stop u from covering up that imbalance?

Accepted Answer

: No, using a PPI does not cover electrolyte abnormality. In contrast, PPI can rarely cause low blood magnesium (hypomagnesemia)

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Doctor answers about:

Electrolytes imbalance symptoms elderly

A member asked:

Why do the elderly need potassium free electrolyte?

A member asked:

What are the signs/symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance?

A member asked:

What is the difference between electrolyte imbalance and dehydration? what are symptoms of both to look for?

A member asked:

What effects can having an imbalance in electrolytes have on your body?

A member asked:

How do you fix an electrolyte imbalance?

A member asked:

What are electrolyte imbalances?

A member asked:

What is the best to improve electrolyte imbalances in my child?

A member asked:

Can taking steroids cause electrolyte imbalances?

A member asked:

How do i check for electrolyte imbalance? what should i do if my medication is causing it?

A member asked:

If you have an electrolyte imbalance can using ppis stop u from covering up that imbalance?

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