Question

The most common causes of low blood potassium include ?

Answer 1

Answer: prolonged vomiting, chronic diarrhea, laxative abuse, and use of diuretics.

Explanation:

Prolonged vomiting can result in loss of electrolytes, and also disturbs the ionic balance. The potassium is one of the types of ions lost during vomiting. Diarrhea also includes vomiting and profuse stools which also cause loss of potassium from the body. The diuretics induce the urination and also increase the frequency of urination. The potassium ions will be lost if urination becomes frequent. The decrease in level of potassium can result in muscle cramps, muscle twitching, disturb the blood pressure, abnormally affect the heart rhythm, and cause other effects.