How should you treat a severe electrolyte imbalance?

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Normally, the body defends itself successfully against fluid and electrolyte imbalances. With minor imbalances, people can replace the fluids and minerals lost in sweat or in a temporary bout of diarrhea, for example, by drinking plain cool water and eating regular foods. Certain situations and some medications, however, may overwhelm the body’s ability to compensate. Severe, prolonged vomiting and diarrhea as well as heavy sweating, burns, and traumatic wounds may incur such great fluid and electrolyte losses as to precipitate a medical emergency.
Appropriate medical intervention depends on the circumstances surrounding the loss of fluids and their solutes. If fluid is lost by vomiting or diarrhea, sodium is lost indiscriminately. If the adrenal glands oversecrete aldosterone, as may occur when a tumor develops, the kidneys may excrete too much potassium. A person with uncontrolled diabetes may lose glucose (a solute not normally excreted) and large amounts of fluid with it. Each situation results in dehydration, but drinking water alone will not restore balance. Medical intervention is required to restore balance.
In some cases, restoring balance demands rapid replacement of fluids and electrolytes—for example, when diarrhea threatens the life of a malnourished child. Caregivers around the world have learned to use oral rehydration therapy (ORT)—a simple solution of sugar, salt, and water, taken by mouth—to treat dehydration caused by severe diarrhea. These lifesaving formulas do not require hospitalization and can be prepared from ingredients available locally. Caregivers need only learn to measure ingredients carefully and use sanitary water. Once rehydrated, a person can begin eating foods.