hormonal and metabolic disorders
Hyperkalemia (High Level of Potassium in the Blood)
Treatment of Hyperkalemia
Medications to increase potassium excretion The disorder that is causing hyperkalemia is treated. For mild hyperkalemia, reducing consumption of potassium or stopping medications that prevent the kidneys from excreting potassium may be all that is needed. If the kidneys are functioning, a diuretic that increases potassium excretion may be given. is a potassium-absorbing resin that is effective but used only for short periods because it can cause Hypernatremia (High Level of Sodium in the Blood) to be retained. For moderate to severe hyperkalemia, the potassium level must be reduced immediately. Doctors monitor the heart continuously during treatment. Calcium is given intravenously to protect the heart, but calcium does not lower the potassium level. Theninsulinand glucose are given, which move potassium from blood into cells, thus lowering the potassium level in blood.Albuterol(used mainly to treat asthma) may be given to help lower the potassium level. It is inhaled. If these measures do not work or if people have kidney failure, Dialysis may be necessary to remove the excess potassium. 