Electrolytes and electrolyte imbalances
Electrolytes are minerals found naturally in the body, such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium. Electrolytes are needed to keep the body's balance of fluids at the proper level and to maintain normal functions, such as heart rhythm, muscle contraction, and brain function.
If the body's electrolytes are not in proper balance, a person may have seizures, an irregular heartbeat, muscle weakness, and other problems. Electrolyte imbalances can be caused by a variety of health conditions, such as chronic heart or kidney disease, endocrine diseases (such as problems with the adrenal, pituitary, thyroid, or parathyroid glands), eating disorders, or bone disorders. Any condition that causes the body to lose too much water (such as diarrhea, vomiting, fever, or taking medicines called diuretics) can also lead to an electrolyte imbalance.
An oral rehydration solution (ORS) that contains the right balance of electrolytes can be helpful for people who have diarrhea or vomiting, or for athletes who compete in endurance events (such as long-distance cycling or running races). An ORS can come as a liquid that is ready to drink, or as a powder that needs to be mixed with a certain amount of water before drinking. ORS examples include Pedialyte and Vitalyte.
How can you care for an electrolyte imbalance?
- Take your medicines exactly as prescribed. Call your doctor if you have any problems with your medicines. You will get more details on the specific medicines your doctor prescribes.
- Do not take any medicine without talking to your doctor first. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medicines.
- If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
- Your doctor or dietitian may give you a diet plan to help balance your minerals. Follow the diet carefully.
Electrolyte imbalance in children: When to call
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
- Your child's heartbeat seems to be irregular. It might be speeding up and then slowing down or skipping beats.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- Your child has muscle aches.
- Your child feels very weak.
- Your child is confused or cannot think clearly.
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- Your child does not get better as expected.
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