ELECTROLYE IMBALANCE: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES, TYPES AND TREATMENT

Dehydration is a process that occurs when your body does not have enough water to function properly. Your body does not function when dehydrated. When your body's typical water content is lowered, the balance of minerals (salts and sugar) (electrolytes) in your body is disrupted, affecting how its functions.
Over two-thirds of a healthy human body is made up of water. It lubricates the joints and eyes, promotes digestion, flushes out waste and toxins, and maintains the health of the skin. Water is essential for a variety of reasons, including regulating body temperature, preventing infections, delivering nutrients to cells, and keeping organs functioning properly. Sleep quality, cognition, and happiness are all improved by being hydrated.

Electrolytes are electrically charged elements and compounds that exist naturally in the body. They are in charge of controlling a variety of physiological activities. Sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphorous, and bicarbonate are all electrolytes. Electrolytes in the body can become too low or too high as a result of certain situations, causing an imbalance and compromising key functioning. Mild cases can be managed at home by obtaining electrolyte replacement, but severe electrolyte imbalances can induce life-threatening problems such as seizures, acute weakness, bone diseases, and even cardiac arrest. As a result, it's critical to monitor electrolyte balance and fluid intake in the body.

Major Symptoms:

Mild electrolyte imbalances may not cause any symptoms and may not be discovered until a regular blood test reveals them. Electrolyte imbalance symptoms appear only when there are serious abnormalities. If left unchecked, the imbalances might become life threatening. The following are some of the most common signs of an electrolyte imbalance:

•  Nausea 
•  Abdominal Cramps Diarrhoea / Constipation Cardiac Disorders: 
•  Arrhythmia is a condition in which a person's (Irregular Heartbeat)
•  Tachycardia is a fast heart rate (Fast Heartbeat)
•  Seizures or convulsions 
•  Numbness and tingling sensations Confusion 
•  Irritability
•  Muscle spasms  
•  Weakness in the muscles 
•  Fatigue and Headaches 
• Micturition that burns

Simple blood tests can detect electrolyte imbalances. For electrolyte imbalance, a renal function test is just as crucial. Loss of suppleness in the skin, brittleness of hair owing to dehydration, sluggish reflexes, irregular heartbeat, irregular heart rhythm, or ECG alterations induced by electrolytes are all signs of electrolyte imbalances. When someone feels weak or has prolonged dizziness for unclear causes, electrolyte imbalance is frequently found following testing. A simple blood test can be used to determine electrolyte levels in the body. Other procedures, such as a pinch test to screen for skin elasticity loss due to high sodium levels, may be carried out.

Causes:

Electrolyte imbalance can be caused by a variety of factors.
Electrolyte imbalances are caused by a loss of body fluids caused by constant vomiting, diarrhoea, excessive sweating, working out for long hours, or severe trauma. Electrolytes are obtained from food and beverages. The kidneys and liver maintain electrolyte equilibrium. Electrolytes normally stay at the appropriate levels if a person consumes a variety of foods and drinks enough fluids.

Treatment:

Maintaining an electrolyte balance necessitates staying hydrated. The most natural way to stay hydrated is to drink plenty of water. It is the cheapest and most widely available beverage. Sporting beverages, on the other hand, are frequently preferred. Electrolytes and carbohydrates are found in sports drinks, and they help the body rehydrate and refuel. Sodium chloride and potassium chloride, which are important electrolytes lost during exercise, are commonly added to sports beverages. When compared to water, the extra sugar and flavour in these drinks typically tempt consumers to consume more.

Electrolyte imbalances are frequently caused by dehydration. To correct this, one must stay hydrated with electrolyte supplements or receive intravenous fluids if the electrolyte imbalance is severe. If, on the other hand, the individual is dehydrated, they may need to reduce their fluid intake and possibly take diuretics (to help them get rid of extra fluid via the urine).

Eating a healthy diet that includes whole grains, fruits, salads, and at least 8 glasses of water each day recharges most people’s electrolytes. Electrolytes like salt and potassium, on the other hand, can be lost through activity or excessive sweating. As a result, eating a sodium- and potassium-rich diet (e.g., tomato juice, sauce, and soups) is beneficial.

Conclusion:

In a nutshell, electrolytes are minerals that can be found in the blood and tissues of the body. They have an electrical charge, and the majority of people get enough electrolytes from their diet. Dehydration or over hydration, medicines, and excessive fluid loss are all common causes of electrolyte imbalance. Dietary adjustments and oral electrolyte supplementation can help to correct minor electrolyte imbalances. Severe electrolyte imbalance, on the other hand, can damage heart and nerve function.

Due to underlying medical issues and adverse effects of long-term drugs, studies have indicated that older persons are more prone to electrolyte imbalance than younger adults. As a result, caregivers and family members should keep an eye out for electrolyte imbalances by checking electrolyte profiles on a regular basis and seeking therapy as soon as possible.