Electrolyte Imbalance and Symptoms

I believe that the first thing that people think of when they hear "adrenal glands" is fight or flight associated with adrenaline.   The part of the adrenal gland that is responsible for adrenaline is in the center part, or medulla.  The outer part, or the cortex, is what is effected by Addison's Disease.  The hormones, cortisol, and aldosterone can effect the body in a variety of ways.  The adrenal glands are so small and seemingly insignificant in a healthy body, but when they don't work properly one realizes what a BIG deal they really are.  Below is a list of how the body can be effected based on an imbalance.  A healthy body automatically responds to each situation.  An Addison's patient has to be aware of their body and symptoms and know how to react appropriately in each situation.  This is the tricky part, something that I am having to figure out via trial and error, daily.

 

Symptoms of Electrolyte Imbalance

High Sodium

• thirst
• dry mouth and mucous membranes
• dark, concentrated urine
• loss of elasticity in the skin
• irregular heartbeat (tachycardia)
• irritability
• fatigue
• lethargy
• heavy, labored breathing
• muscle twitching and/or seizures

Low Sodium

• orthostatic hypotension
• nausea, abdominal cramping, and/or vomiting
• headache
• edema (swelling)
• muscle weakness and/or tremor
• paralysis
• disorientation
• slowed breathing
• seizures
• coma

High Potassium

• weakness
• nausea and/or abdominal pain
• irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• diarrhea
• muscle pain

Low Potassium

• weakness
• paralysis
• decreased urination or weak urine streamV
• irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
• high blood pressure
• muscle pain
• tetany
• fluid retention
• muscle spasms

High Calcium

• fatigue
• constipation
• depression
• confusion
• muscle pain
• nausea and vomiting
• dehydration
• increased urination
• irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)

Low Calcium

• muscle cramps and spasms
• tetany and/or convulsions
• mood changes (depression, irritability)
• dry skin
• brittle nails
• facial twitching

High Magnesium

• lethargy
• hypotension
• decreased heart and respiratory rate
• muscle weakness
• diminished tendon reflexes

Low Magnesium

• leg and foot cramps
• weight loss
• vomiting
• muscle spasms, twitching, and tremors
• seizures
• muscle weakness
• arrthymia

High Chloride

• weakness
• headache
• nausea
• cardiac arrest

Low Chloride

• mental confusion
• slowed breathing
• paralysis
• muscle tension or spasm

High Phosphate

• tingling in hands and fingers
• muscle spasms and cramps
• convulsions
• cardiac arrest

Low Phosphate

• muscle weakness
• weight loss
• bone deformities (osteomalacia)