Electrolyte Imbalances

Nephrology & Internal Medicine located in El Paso, TX

Electrolyte test

Electrolyte Imbalances services offered in El Paso, TX

If you have kidney disease and often feel fatigued, confused, or irritable, it may be due to an electrolyte imbalance. At Sun City Kidney, PA, experienced kidney specialist Rey Rosario, MD, offers customized care plans to treat electrolyte imbalances. Dr. Rosario can deliver essential electrolytes into your body intravenously. He also offers comprehensive hemodialysis services if your imbalance is life-threatening. To schedule an evaluation for electrolyte imbalances, call the office in El Paso, Texas, today or book an appointment online. 

Electrolyte Imbalances Q&A

What are electrolyte imbalances?

Electrolytes are compounds that occur naturally in your body and are responsible for controlling physiological functions. These substances are in your body and body fluids, including urine. You also get electrolytes from food, drinks, and supplements.

Common types of electrolytes include:

  • Calcium
  • Sodium
  • Magnesium
  • Potassium
  • Phosphate
  • Chloride

When your electrolyte levels are too high or too low, you have an electrolyte imbalance. The loss of body fluids due to excessive vomiting, diarrhea, and sweating are common causes of an imbalance. 

You might also be at increased risk for an imbalance if you have chronic kidney disease.

Without treatment, an electrolyte imbalance can affect vital functions in your body and lead to serious complications, including cardiac arrest, seizures, and coma.

When should I seek treatment for electrolyte imbalances?

You should schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Sun City Kidney, PA if you have symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance such as:

  • Headaches
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Rapid or irregular heart rate
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea and constipation
  • Muscle cramps

Confusion and irritability are also common side effects of electrolyte imbalances.

The medical team uses on-site blood tests to evaluate the levels of electrolytes in your body. They also use bloodwork to assess the health of your kidneys if you have an electrolyte imbalance.

Based on the results of your testing, your provider customizes a treatment plan to rebalance your electrolyte levels and relieve your uncomfortable symptoms.

How are electrolyte imbalances treated?

The kidney specialists at Sun City Kidney, PA may recommend oral supplements to supplement your electrolyte levels. If supplements aren’t effective, you may benefit from intravenous (IV) fluids to rapidly rehydrate your body.

If you have a severe or life-threatening electrolyte imbalance that’s not treatable with supplements or IV fluids, you may need hemodialysis.

Hemodialysis is a treatment for kidney disease that uses a machine to filter waste from your blood when your kidneys can’t. The procedure can quickly remove excess electrolytes from your blood to stabilize your levels.

Sun City Kidney, PA offers hemodialysis treatments in-office. The team can also provide resources that allow you to filter your blood in the comfort of your own home. 

If you have symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance, schedule a diagnostic evaluation at Sun City Kidney, PA today or book an appointment online.