Electrolyte Issues Including Sodium and Potassium
Low sodium problems are fairly common, especially in the elderly. Most often, these are related to medications or their underlying medical conditions. In some cases, it can be due to a hormonal condition. Low sodium can bring upon significant health issues, such as seizures and recurrent falls in the elderly. Proper work up and treatment of low sodium are important to avert these consequences.
Similarly potassium issues are fairly common. While many of these are again due to medications, some can be the results of hormonal conditions such as Conn’s syndrome, Cushing syndrome etc. Proper work up is essential to diagnose and treat these conditions effectively.