Treatment For Hyperkalemia:
After a proper diagnosis of hyperkalemia by determination of blood potassium levels in the laboratory, the doctors sift through the patient to estimate the severity of the condition. The doctors usually perform an electrocardiogram or ECG, which indicates the changes in heart muscles, which are possibly present in hyperkalemia patients. The team of medical professionals then determine the severity of the cardiac arrhythmias resulting from hyperkalemia. The doctors usually devise the treatment plans for hyperkalemia patients according to the severity of their condition, and the treatment plans are highly customized. The customization of treatment plans shows the solving of the underlying cause of hyperkalemia.
Moreover, the severity of signs and symptoms, the appearance of ECG trends, and the health status of the patient are very integral in devising a custom made treatment plan for hyperkalemia patients. In the case of mild hyperkalemia, the doctors treat the hyperkalemia patients without any need of hospitalization only if the overall health status of the patient is healthy. In addition to the health status of the patient, if the patient’s ECG trends are reasonable and there is no presence of acidosis, adverse kidney function and any other associated disorders, the doctors tend to treat the patients at home. The need for emergency treatment arises when the patient is suffering from severe symptoms of hyperkalemia, and there are changes in ECG results. The best treatment for the severe form of hyperkalemia is possible in a hospital because the patients might need the intensive care unit when the heartbeats become irregular, or the patient is experiencing shortness of breath.
The doctors try to monitor the heartbeat of the patient to keep the situation under control. While the treatment of both the mild and severe cases of hyperkalemia patients involve:
Use of a low potassium diet:
For the mild cases of hyperkalemia patients, the doctors educate the patients to omit the foods having higher amounts of potassium levels in it. We are unknowingly consuming several foods which are higher in potassium levels, so it is very concerning for the hyperkalemia patients to have a piece of proper knowledge about what they are eating because most of the times, simpler foods like vegetables and fruits might contribute to the worsening of hyperkalemia patients.