Hypokalemia can cause
Hypokalemia can manifest as weakness, a bitter taste in the mouth, lack of appetite, irritability, or mood swings. In severe cases, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, reduced orientation ability, and confusion may occur. In terms of muscle and nerve effects, hypokalemia leads to decreased neuromuscular excitability, and when blood potassium levels fall below 2.5mmol/L, clinical symptoms of muscle weakness appear. If blood potassium levels drop below 2.0mmol/L, flaccid paralysis and disappearance or weakening of tendon reflexes may occur. In severe cases, paralysis of the respiratory muscles and even respiratory failure might develop. For the gastrointestinal tract, common symptoms include lack of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, with severe cases leading to intestinal paralysis. Hypokalemia can cause an increase in heart rate and even ventricular fibrillation, which can be fatal. Additionally, it can result in metabolic alkalosis. Hypokalemia can cause metabolic alkalosis, and vice versa, with each condition potentially leading to the other, often coexisting simultaneously.