Electrolyte Imbalance Care

Managing Sodium, Potassium, Calcium & pH Levels

Electrolyte imbalance is a common and potentially serious complication in patients with kidney disorders. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and bicarbonate play a vital role in nerve function, muscle contraction, hydration, and maintaining the body’s acid-base balance (pH). In kidney disease, the body’s ability to regulate these elements becomes impaired, leading to dangerous shifts that may result in arrhythmias, seizures, bone problems, or metabolic acidosis. Specialized nephrology care is essential to monitor and correct these imbalances through lab evaluations, tailored dietary guidance, and medications like diuretics, phosphate binders, or sodium bicarbonate.

Personalized Correction Plans
Management begins with a thorough assessment of the patient’s symptoms, blood reports, and underlying conditions. For high or low potassium levels (hyperkalemia or hypokalemia), prompt correction is critical to prevent cardiac complications. Sodium imbalances can cause neurological symptoms like confusion, fatigue, or seizures and must be corrected gradually to avoid harm. Calcium and phosphate abnormalities are common in chronic kidney disease and require careful balance to prevent vascular calcification or bone disorders. Nephrologists like Dr. Tanurekha Hazarika create personalized correction plans involving IV fluids, electrolyte supplements, or adjustments in dialysis prescriptions, ensuring safe and effective restoration of normal levels.

Ongoing Monitoring and Prevention
Preventing recurrent electrolyte disturbances is key to long-term kidney health. This involves educating patients about fluid intake, salt and potassium restrictions, and medication adherence. For dialysis patients, electrolyte control is tightly integrated into their treatment sessions. Regular monitoring through blood tests allows early detection of subtle changes, enabling preemptive intervention. Under expert care, patients are equipped with the tools and knowledge to maintain stable electrolyte levels and avoid emergency complications. With her expertise in nephrology and holistic patient care, Dr. Hazarika ensures that each individual receives precise, proactive, and comprehensive electrolyte management.