What are the symptoms of potassium deficiency in the human body?

If the human body lacks potassium, the harm is relatively large. It will cause the patient to suffer from hypokalemia and induce a variety of common manifestations, especially the neuromuscular system. The patient will experience sudden flaccid paralysis and muscle weakness. It is also very harmful to the cardiovascular system and can cause arrhythmia and tachycardia. It can also cause potassium deficiency nephropathy, causing renal tubular concentration, etc.

1. Neuromuscular system:

Common symptoms of hypokalemia are muscle weakness and paroxysmal flaccid paralysis. The latter may be preceded by muscle weakness. Although the onset is related to the absolute level of plasma [K], it is more closely related to the [K] gradient inside and outside the cell. The larger the gradient, the greater the difference between the resting potential and the threshold potential, resulting in reduced muscle excitability. Paralysis may also occur when plasma [K] rises. Attacks are more common at night and after fatigue. The most common muscles affected are the limbs, and the muscles of the head and neck are generally not affected. However, the respiratory muscles may be affected and dyspnea may occur. Before the onset, there may be numbness in the limbs, followed by fatigue, and finally the complete disappearance of autonomous activity. Generally, the symptoms of proximal muscles are slightly milder than those of distal muscles. Patients with hypokalemia cannot stand, walk, sit or squat and cannot stand up.

2. Cardiovascular system:

Hypokalemia can reduce myocardial excitability and cause various arrhythmias and conduction blocks. Mild cases include sinus tachycardia, premature atrial or ventricular contractions, and atrioventricular conduction block. Severe cases include paroxysmal atrial or ventricular tachycardia, and even ventricular fibrillation. Potassium deficiency can aggravate digitalis and antimony poisoning and can lead to death. Peripheral peripheral blood vessels can dilate, blood pressure can drop, and reduced myocardial tension can cause cardiac enlargement. In severe cases, heart failure occurs. Electrocardiogram changes have been described in pathophysiology. The presence of u waves in the EKG often indicates that the body has lost potassium of at least 500mmol/L.

3. Urinary system:

Long-term hypokalemia can damage the renal tubules and cause potassium-deficient nephropathy. The renal tubular concentration, ammonia synthesis, hydrogen secretion and Cl- reabsorption functions may all be reduced or enhanced. The sodium excretion function or sodium reabsorption function may also be reduced. The net result can lead to metabolic hypokalemia and hypochlorite alkali poisoning.

4. Endocrine metabolic system:

Hypokalemia may cause impaired glucose tolerance. Children with long-term potassium deficiency will have delayed growth and development. In patients with hypokalemia, urinary potassium excretion is reduced (<30mmol/24h). However, in patients caused by renal tubular acidosis and acute renal failure, urinary potassium excretion is increased (>40mmol/24h). Urinary potassium excretion is still increased in the case of hypokalemia, which often indicates increased aldosterone secretion and is a clue for diagnosing hyperaldosteronism.

5. Digestive system:

Hypokalemia can slow down intestinal motility. People with mild potassium deficiency only experience loss of appetite, abdominal distension, nausea and constipation, while severe potassium deficiency can cause paralytic ileus.