Electrolyte disorder
Electrolyte disorder
Electrolyte disorder (pronunciation: /ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈlaɪt dɪsˈɔːdər/) is a medical condition characterized by an imbalance in the levels of electrolytes in the body. Electrolytes are minerals that help maintain several vital functions of the body, including heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and brain function.
Etymology
The term "electrolyte disorder" is derived from the Greek words "electron" meaning amber (from which the word electricity is derived) and "lytos" meaning soluble. The term "disorder" comes from the Old French "desordre" meaning lack of order or sequence.
Types of Electrolyte Disorders
There are several types of electrolyte disorders, including:
- Hyponatremia: This is a condition characterized by low sodium levels in the blood.
- Hypernatremia: This is a condition characterized by high sodium levels in the blood.
- Hypokalemia: This is a condition characterized by low potassium levels in the blood.
- Hyperkalemia: This is a condition characterized by high potassium levels in the blood.
Causes
Electrolyte disorders can be caused by a variety of factors, including kidney disease, heart failure, diabetes, certain medications, and severe dehydration.
Symptoms
Symptoms of electrolyte disorders can vary depending on the specific disorder and the severity of the imbalance. They may include fatigue, weakness, nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and seizures.
Treatment
Treatment for electrolyte disorders typically involves addressing the underlying cause of the imbalance and may include medication, dietary changes, and in severe cases, hospitalization.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Electrolyte disorder
- Wikipedia's article - Electrolyte disorder
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