Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome is a very common health hazard. Physicians have come across lots of patients with various known and unknown illnesses. In fact, the number of diseases in human history is vast. You know what? Out of every 10 diseases, 5 are curable. Indeed intellectuals are working hard to manufacture antidotes for each of them. However, that will require some time surely. Meanwhile, we prevent. The more we acquire knowledge about these diseases, further we stay from them. In this article, you will indeed come to know a catastrophic health condition called the “Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome.” You will also find here the causes, symptoms, and prevention of the Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome.
The Definition Of Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome
The set of chemicals in our bloodstream that conducts significant body functions, like nerve reactions and muscle functions, are known as electrolytes. These chemical substances form both positive and negative ions. These ions are crucially important since they operate in various section of the organ system. Indeed, absence or surplus of any of the electrolytes may lead to deadly complexities. The mentionable electrolytes in our blood are calcium, potassium, magnesium and sodium. In addition, each of the electrolytes plays a particular role in our body function. For example, sodium helps to control fluids in the body. Again chlorine helps in neutralization. Thus ultimately results in the maintenance of a healthy pH, potassium contributing to bone health, etc. Fluctuation in the number of electrolytes is known as Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome.
The Causes Of Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome
Probably most of us do not know the causes of Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome. The following are the main causes of Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome:
- Loss of fluid. Excessive physical work. Or diseases like diarrhoea or vomiting.
- Inadequate nutrient intake, especially vitamins.
- Hormonal or endocrinal disorders trigger the electrolytes imbalance.
- Malabsorption in the intestines.
- Kidney diseases, heart failure and diabetes.
- Some medications like chemotherapy, diuretics, antibiotics. Corticosteroids also cause electrolytic fluctuation in forms of side effects.
- Intoxicating drugs and alcohol also cause the mentioned syndrome.
- It is a common symptom of some complex diseases.
The Symptoms Of Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome
You know what? The electrolyte imbalance syndrome shows up with some associated symptoms. These symptoms are multiple and quite unpredictable since it depends on the specific electrolyte level that has been affected. Blood test results help to determine the electrolyte level in a body. Then we can compare the blood test report with the standard electrolyte value. Whatever, these symptoms can be divided into three categories:
Electrolyte Imbalance Syndromes Below Reference (When Low)
Irregular heartbeat, feelings of confusion, and Blood Pressure changes are the symptoms of Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrom when the reference is low in the blood test. Bone disorders or nervous system is also the symptom of such a case.
Electrolyte Imbalance Syndromes Above Reference (When High)
Twitching or weakness of the muscles are the very common symptoms of Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrom when the reference is above in the blood test. Blood Pressure Changes is also a very common symptom in such a case. In addition, fatigue, irregular heartbeat and numbness are also experienced.
Common Symptoms Of Electrolyte Imbalance Syndromes
The most common symptoms are nausea, lethargy, sudden absurd behavioural change. You may also find that the urine colour becomes dark. Furthermore, fluid retention is also a symptom.
Standard Electrolytic Ranges In Adult Body
| Electrolyte | Reference Level |
| Calcium | 4.5-5.5 mEq/L |
| Chloride | 97-107 mEq/L |
| Potassium | 3.5-5.3 mEq/L |
| Sodium | 136-145 mEq/L |
| Magnesium | 1.5-2.5 mEq/L |
Prevention Of Electrolyte Imbalance Syndrome
It is not confidential anymore that all medicines have some sort of side effects. These side effects may not pop up immediately. However, these surely cause irregularities inside the body. Perhaps in lesser intensity at a time! In addition, such a case ultimately leads to greater complications. That’s why the proverb goes as ‘Prevention is better than cure’. Thus, it is always better to avoid the intake of medicines.
Stay Hydrated
Water intake is a shortcut method to supply nutrients to the body. Nutrients in water are dissociated into electrolytes which later help in cell and muscle function, bone development, etc. So, keep hydrated intaking recommended water. Water, in fact, is not a very tough product that you will not be able to avail.
Say No To Ignorance
Most people of present days are extremely ignorant about their own health. Average life expectancy is thus declining day by day. Actually, we do not need to be super health concerned to be healthy. In fact, some change in habits may ensure good health. For example, urine colour, drastic weight loss/gain, a thunderclap headache, weakness, etc. are rather concerning matters. In addition, consulting a physician for advice in such cases would be wise. But most of the time we overlook such issues, which later bring some bad influences on our health.
Routinely Medical Checkup
Blood tests routinely will help us to be aware of our electrolyte levels. So, consult your doctor and go for blood test routinely if you have the history of Electrolyte Imbalance. Again do not be lazy to consult a doctor if you experience the symptoms of such syndrome.
Change In The Dietary Plan
Intake of all the nutrients regularly and routinely is necessary. So, we should make a chart according to our health conditions and we should follow it strictly. Actually, it is not really difficult to lead a healthy life without a proper diet plan. So, prepare your plan now. Or it may be so late!
However, human health is a complex and integrated system like many machines working together in harmony with an integrated output. In fact, the output of one system/machine acts as the input of the other and collectively, the visible output is the normalcy in body functioning. Without a doubt, the electrolyte is the most essential body fluid element. It is because it keeps the body functioning at normalcy. Therefore, due care should be taken to ensure a balanced electrolyte status in everyone’s body.
