Signs You May Have An Electrolyte Disorder

Iowa Kidney Physicians help treat electrolyte disorders in Des Moines, IA. Electrolyte disorders can cause fatigue and many other unpleasant symptoms, but we can help get your electrolytes balanced and get you feeling better. Keep reading about the signs of an electrolyte disorder and come see us if you're experiencing symptoms.

Signs and symptoms

Your body is always working to maintain the right balance of several important minerals and electrolytes for your system to function at its best. Some of the most important minerals are potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium. A deficiency or excess of any of these can affect everything from your muscles to your heart. Symptoms of electrolyte disorders vary greatly, but they can include:

  • Fatigue
  • Weakness
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Rapid or irregular heartbeat
  • Muscle cramps
  • Changes in bowel habits, like diarrhea or constipation

If you notice any of these symptoms, you want to be evaluated for an electrolyte disorder in Des Moines, IA. If you lose a lot of body fluid from prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fever, the dehydration will deplete some electrolytes so make sure you are hydrating regularly.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Changes in your body's levels of electrolytes can often be traced back to your kidneys or endocrine glands. The doctors at Iowa Kidney Physicians will perform a thorough evaluation and create a customized treatment plan for you, depending on the cause and severity of your symptoms. When you have a fluid or electrolyte disorder in Des Moines, IA, your doctor's recommendations could include dietary changes, changes in your fluid intake, or medications to replenish your body's electrolyte levels.

The doctors of Iowa Kidney Physicians can help with the diagnosis and treatment of electrolyte disorders in Des Moines, IA. If you are having symptoms, contact us for an appointment at our Riverpoint location at (515) 243-3161, and our Methodist Plaza location at (515) 336-6557.