Question:
What treatments were effective in treating low potassium or hypokalemia? Submit Your Comment
My doctor was against low potassium pills when I first had low potassium and now since it happens a lot he wants me on a potassium pill and magnesium pill because I can't keep my potassium level up through my diet alone, even when adding milk and bananas, etc.
Viewing all the comments, it has made me realize how important it is to know our bodies. I was having chest pains and thought I had a heart attack, there was tingling in my fingertips. In the emergency room they did a blood test and found my potassium was at 2.4. They gave me a potassium drink and my potassium is now at 3.5. I never realized that you can have a stroke or heart failure due to low potassium. Both my parents have had strokes and now I wonder if it could have been avoided. I will definitely be eating more bananas. My deficiency was due to my high blood pressure medication. My doctor has changed my medication and I am feeling so much better.
I felt dizzy, almost passing out at least once from hypokalemia. I had tingling up my left hand and arm, irregular heart beat (missing every third or fourth beat), and leg cramps. I was constipated and had an upset stomach. I stopped taking water pills, had an IV potassium for 3 hours and two tablets and I feel better! I'm eating more bananas and avocados.
I ate a banana and retook the hypokalemia test, everything was fine.
The level of potassium still remains low after 4 days treatment of the patient on drips for hypokalemia.
REFERENCE:
Mount, David B. MD. "Clinical Manifestations and Treatment of Hypokalemia in Adults." UptoDate. Updated Jan 7, 2016.