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Electrolyte Imbalance
Electrolyte Imbalance
Electrolytes maintain the body's fluid balance at an optimum level so as to maintain important physiological functions such as nerves and muscles. Any sort of electrolyte imbalance leads to various health conditions. Electrolytes help balance pH and acid-base levels in the body and also aid osmosis. The endocrine, excretory and neuromuscular functions hinge on the right electrolyte balance in the body. The body needs small amounts of copper, fluoride, iron, selenium and zinc - trace minerals. On the other hand, larger quantities of macrominerals such as sodium, phosphate, magnesium and calcium are required. Important electrolytes in the human body are sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium. With the right amount of body water balance, they separate into positive and negative ions on dissolving. When there is loss of body fluids (dehydration), electrolyte imbalance can result. Chronic heart or kidney disease, eating disorders and endocrine disorders can disturb the electrolyte balance. Electrolyte imbalance can occur due to malabsorption by the body, dietary imbalance and chemotherapy.
The effects of electrolyte imbalance are many. Symptoms can range from diarrhea and sweating to high fever and blood pressure changes. Altered levels of magnesium, calcium, sodium, phosphate, bicarbonate or potassium can lead to bone disorders, muscle spasms, disorders of the nervous system and changes in blood pressure. Convulsions or seizures are sometimes noticed in cases of electrolyte imbalance. A person suffering from electrolyte imbalance might notice twitching, lethargy and numbness. Urine and blood tests will reveal any electrolyte imbalance. Further investigations are carried out if the cause is traced to kidney or endocrine disorders. Electrolyte replacement is carried out with intravenous fluids and electrolyte solutions. Dietary changes may be prescribed to tackle any minor electrolyte imbalance.
BMP blood test
BMP blood test or Basic Metabolic Panel blood test comprises a set of tests that throw light on the functioning of a person's kidneys, blood sugar, calcium, electrolyte and acid/base levels. BMP blood test comprises testing for:
BMP blood test aids in diagnosis of kidney failure, diabetic coma, hypertension, changes in heart rhythms and respiratory illness. Other tests that are used by physicians to check for renal failurerenal failure are BUN blood test and test for creatinine. If there is elevated blood calcium level, it can be confirmed with an ionized calcium test. Electrolyte imbalance can occur due to many an illness.
CMP blood test
A CMP (Comprehensive Metabolic Panel) blood test is a set of specific tests that aid in providing a physician with vital information on the status of a patient's liver, kidneys, blood sugar, blood proteins and electrolyte balance. Often a CMP blood test is part of a yearly examination. The CMP blood test encompasses:
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