Electrolyte disorders can be categorized into sodium metabolism disorders, potassium metabolism disorders, calcium metabolism disorders, magnesium metabolism disorders and so on. Different kinds of electrolyte disorders have different basic causes, mainly including under- or under-absorption, over-absorption or concentration of body fluids, etc. The details are as follows:
1. Low intake or insufficient absorption: Generally, it can lead to electrolyte lower than normal level, such as hyponatremia, hypokalemia, hypocalcemia, etc. Among them, hyponatremia can be caused by a large amount of vomiting.
Hyponatremia can be caused by massive vomiting or taking diuretics for a long period of time, abnormal renal function, extensive burns, intestinal obstruction, etc. Fasting, severe vomiting, diarrhea, acute and chronic renal disease, etc. are the main causes of hypokalemia; the common causes of hypocalcemia include vitamin D deficiency, hypoparathyroidism and chronic renal failure.
2. Excessive intake or concentration of body fluids: this usually leads to higher than normal electrolytes, such as hyperkalemia, hypercalcemia, hypomagnesemia, etc. Hyperkalemia is often caused by massive transfusion.
Hyperkalemia is often caused by excessive intake of potassium ions due to massive transfusion of stock blood, acute and chronic renal failure, etc. Hypercalcemia is commonly seen in hyperparathyroidism, leukemia, etc. Hypermagnesemia is commonly caused by excessive magnesium ions, diabetic ketoacidosis, etc.
For the types of electrolyte disorders, low potassium or low sodium can be prevented by oral electrolyte supplements, such as oral rehydration salts when sweating a lot, so as to avoid the occurrence of hypokalemia and hyponatremia. Patients with electrolyte disorders are advised to seek prompt medical attention to avoid delay.