Causes of Electrolyte Imbalances
- What causes electrolyte imbalances?

The role of electrolytes in the body includes prevent cells from shrinking or swelling, enable normal muscle contraction and relaxation, maintain normal blood pressure, maintain normal rhythm and rate of the heart, and more.

Electrolytes are essential in regulating critical bodily functions. When your body is low on electrolytes, whether it’s due to vomiting, diarrhea, or dehydration, it can impair these crucial functions and lead to significant discomfort.

The role of electrolytes in the body include the following:

Prevent cells from shrinking or swelling
Enable normal muscle contraction and relaxation
Maintain normal blood pressure
Maintain normal rhythm and rate of the heart
Maintain blood pH in the normal range (7.35 to 7.45, slightly alkaline)
Maintain brain health and orientation
Assist blood clotting
Transmit nerve signals from heart, muscle, and nerve cells to other cells

**Table: Effect of low electrolytes on the body**
Electrolyte Imbalance	Normal levels (mEq/L)	Effect of low levels
Hyponatremia (Low sodium	135-145	Weakness Headache Low blood pressure Confusion Lethargy Thirst Severe sodium loss can result in seizures, coma, and death
Hypocalcemia (Low calcium)	8.5-10.2	Muscle irritability Twitches or tics over face or limb muscles Cramps (particularly in legs and back) Severely low calcium level causes muscle spasms, spasms of the larynx (voice box) and seizures Abnormal heart rhythms, atrial fibrillation may also be seen Heart blocks may be observed
Hypokalemia (Low potassium)	3.5-5.5	Muscle weakness Temporary limb paralysis Distension of abdomen Loss of normal intestinal movements Breathing problems Sudden stopping of the heart Abnormal heart rhythm Kidney problems
Hypomagnesemia (Low magnesium)	1.7-2.2	Loss of appetite nausea Fatigue Weakness Muscle aches As magnesium deficiency worsens: Numbness Tingling Muscle contractions Cramps Seizures Personality changes such as irritability Abnormal heart rhythms
Hypochloremia (Low chloride levels)	96-106	Weakness Fatigue Breathing difficulties
Hypophosphatemia (Low phosphate levels)	2.5-4.5	Muscle weakness In severe cases: Respiratory failure Heart failure Seizures and coma

What causes electrolyte imbalances?

Electrolytes and water in your body are regulated by your kidneys, lungs, and hormones. However, various conditions can cause electrolyte levels in your body to become imbalanced. Although mild imbalances may go undetected, extreme electrolyte imbalances can cause heart and kidney kidneys and in some cases even be life-threatening. Both infants and the elderly are particularly at risk of the dangers of an electrolyte imbalance.

**Table: Causes of electrolyte imbalances**
Causes	Symptoms	Treatment
Loss of body fluids	Vomiting Diarrhea Stomach flu Fever Excessive sweating Heatstroke Shock due to blood loss	Replace fluids with oral rehydration solutions or clear liquids Replace fluids intravenously with saline or Ringer’s lactate
Medications	Laxative overuse Steroid use Diuretics Chemotherapy Digitalis Alcohol poisoning	Stop medications under supervision if possible Replace fluids and electrolytes orally or intravenously
Hormonal diseases	Diabetic ketoacidosis Addison’s disease Thyroid disorders	Treat hormonal imbalances Replace fluids and electrolytes orally or intravenously
Other conditions	Emphysema Kidney failure Ingestion of toxins Environmental poisons Sepsis Severe burns	Treat the root cause Undergo dialysis to filter out toxins Replace fluids and electrolytes orally or intravenously
Psychiatric causes	Anorexia Bulimia	Replace fluids and electrolytes orally or intravenously Consume calories as needed Psychiatric counseling is recommended