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Have Hypokalemia, Taking Potassium Substitute. Have Cramps In Legs, Hands, Chest. Worried
I have been diagnosed with hypokalemia I take potassium substitute but for the last 4 day have been cramping in the legs and hands and feeling like crap, cant understand, I feel cramp in the chest at times. I have been working long hour and may not have been eating properly, my worst count was 2.7 8 weeks ago. do you think I should get it checked again even if I am taking the k sub? worried I don't feel well.
Mon, 5 Aug 2013
Hi and thanks for this query.
Yes, you need to get your numbers checked to see the response to treatment. Also, because you still present with signs of hypokalemia, this makes it very important. There are several causes of hypokalemia beside low oral intake. if the problem is not inadequate oral intake, then the drugs will not do any much change and this will make your doctors to search beyond this as the possible cause. Still having symptoms 8weeks after beginning treatment to me is concerning! Are you on any drugs for high blood pressure treatment? these are the most common drug induced causes of hypokalemia.
Hope you find this helpful and informative. If you have any more questions, please address them and we shall gladly provide answers to this.
Wish you well.
Dr. Ditah, MD
Yes, you need to get your numbers checked to see the response to treatment. Also, because you still present with signs of hypokalemia, this makes it very important. There are several causes of hypokalemia beside low oral intake. if the problem is not inadequate oral intake, then the drugs will not do any much change and this will make your doctors to search beyond this as the possible cause. Still having symptoms 8weeks after beginning treatment to me is concerning! Are you on any drugs for high blood pressure treatment? these are the most common drug induced causes of hypokalemia.
Hope you find this helpful and informative. If you have any more questions, please address them and we shall gladly provide answers to this.
Wish you well.
Dr. Ditah, MD
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When you are taking potassium supplements it is important to check their levels in the blood. An increse in their levels can also cause many problems. your doctor will be able to check whether your symptoms are because of potassium or some other reasons.
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