Symptoms and treatment options for hypokalemic periodic paralysis

Speaking of hypokalemic periodic paralysis, I believe everyone is very curious about the symptoms of this disease. This article will introduce the relevant symptoms and treatment methods of hypokalemic periodic paralysis as follows.

Symptoms of hypokalemic periodic paralysis:

Periodic paralysis is a muscle disease characterized by periodic attacks of flaccid paralysis. Most cases are accompanied by abnormal potassium ion metabolism, with hypokalemic periodic paralysis being the most common. Patients often have sudden attacks, so it is often encountered in internal medicine emergencies. The disease usually begins in young and middle-aged people, is more common in males, and has a peak incidence from April to September. Before the onset of the disease, there may be triggers such as a full meal, strenuous exercise, alcoholism, trauma, infection, vomiting and diarrhea.

At the beginning of the attack, there may be symptoms such as thirst, sweating, limb pain, and abnormal sensation. The disease often occurs during sleep or when waking up in the early morning. Limb pain often starts from the lower limbs, gradually moves upward and affects the upper limbs, is symmetrical on both sides, and is more severe in the proximal part than in the distal part. Paralysis reaches its peak within a few hours. Attacks last from hours to days. Severe hypokalemia can cause limb paralysis and inability to turn over. Severe cases can cause breathing difficulties due to paralysis of the respiratory muscles, and even suffocation, arrhythmia, cardiac arrest, etc.

Treatment:

Potassium is an indispensable element for the human body, and its main function is to maintain the normal function of nerves and muscles. Therefore, once the human body lacks potassium, not only will the energy and physical strength decrease, but the heat resistance will also be reduced. The most prominent manifestation is soreness and weakness in the limbs, and varying degrees of relaxation and paralysis of the neuromuscular system, especially in the lower limbs, which is called potassium deficiency paralysis. In severe cases, it can also lead to acid-base imbalance, metabolic disorders, arrhythmias in the human body, and be accompanied by cardiovascular system dysfunction, such as chest tightness, palpitations, and even respiratory muscle paralysis and difficulty breathing.

After sweating profusely, do not drink too much boiled water or sugar water immediately. You can drink some fruit juice or sugar and salt water to prevent excessive decrease in blood potassium. Some people drink excessive amounts of salt water in order to reduce sweating, which can easily increase the burden on the heart and cause an imbalance in potassium and sodium in the body. Appropriate supplementation of potassium is beneficial to improving the balance of potassium and sodium in the body, which can prevent both high and low blood pressure.