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What Causes High Potassium Levels Causing Pain In Kidney Area?

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Posted on Tue, 10 Jun 2014
Question: I am concerned as my grandson is having pain in the kidney area and was seen at the clinic. He was told his potassium was high and they prescribed him some meds. He is to pick up at the pharmacy so at this time I am not sure whey they prescribed. What would cause an elevation in potassium? Thank you and it is great to see a site that is to helpful.
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Answered by Dr. Ivo Ditah (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
See below

Detailed Answer:
Hi and thank you so much for this query.

I am so sorry to hear about what your grand son experienced. From the information you have provided, this is a one time observation of hyperkalemia. In clinic, the first reflex would be to control this value as there is no evident cause of increased potassium. This is because poor blood collection and storage can lead to pseudo hyperkalemia.

The next possible cause is tissue injury. If he had excessive muscle contractions like agitation, excessive sporting activities prior to tseting, etc. This is because most potassium is stored inside cells and when they are injured, it is spilled into blood and can cause increased potassium levels in blood.

In all, this is a one tie observation with no symptoms. The possible causes would be pseudo hyperkalemia or cell injury. I will not want to think he has a problem with his kidneys or has been consuming so much potassium as there is no possible information to suggest this. Stay calm and encourage him to drink much water as it helps with system cleansing.

I hope this helps. I wish him well. Thank you so much for using or services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications should need be.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
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Dr. Ivo Ditah

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3984 Questions

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What Causes High Potassium Levels Causing Pain In Kidney Area?

Brief Answer: See below Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about what your grand son experienced. From the information you have provided, this is a one time observation of hyperkalemia. In clinic, the first reflex would be to control this value as there is no evident cause of increased potassium. This is because poor blood collection and storage can lead to pseudo hyperkalemia. The next possible cause is tissue injury. If he had excessive muscle contractions like agitation, excessive sporting activities prior to tseting, etc. This is because most potassium is stored inside cells and when they are injured, it is spilled into blood and can cause increased potassium levels in blood. In all, this is a one tie observation with no symptoms. The possible causes would be pseudo hyperkalemia or cell injury. I will not want to think he has a problem with his kidneys or has been consuming so much potassium as there is no possible information to suggest this. Stay calm and encourage him to drink much water as it helps with system cleansing. I hope this helps. I wish him well. Thank you so much for using or services and do feel free to ask for more information and clarifications should need be.