Electrolytes Related Diseases & Conditions

Medical tests and procedures are used to diagnose and treat a wide variety of conditions. Our doctors have compiled a list of ailments related to the topic of Electrolytes that may be used to diagnose or monitor the status of the diseases and conditions listed below.

  • Kidney Failure Kidney failure can occur from an acute event or a chronic condition or disease. Prerenal kidney failure is caused by blood loss,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Kidney Failure Article
    • Kidney failure facts
    • What are the kidneys?
    • What causes kidney failure?
    • What are the symptoms of kidney failure?
    • How is kidney failure diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for kidney failure?
    • Diet
    • Medications
    • Dialysis
    • Hemodialysis
    • Peritoneal dialysis
    • Kidney transplantation
    • What is the prognosis for someone with kidney failure?
  • Low Blood Pressure Low blood pressure, also referred to as hypotension, is blood pressure that is so low that it causes symptoms or signs due to the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Low Blood Pressure Article
    • Low blood pressure facts
    • What is low blood pressure?
    • How is blood pressure generated?
    • How does the body maintain normal blood pressure?
    • Is low blood pressure bad for your health?
    • What are low blood pressure signs and symptoms?
    • What are the causes of low blood pressure?
    • How is low blood pressure diagnosed and evaluated?
    • What is the treatment for low blood pressure?
  • Congestive Heart Failure Congestive heart failure (CHF) is a condition in which the heart's function as a pump is inadequate to meet the body's needs. A...learn more »
    In This Article
    Congestive Heart Failure Article
    • Congestive heart failure facts
    • What is congestive heart failure?
    • What causes congestive heart failure?
    • What are the symptoms of congestive heart failure (CHF)?
    • How is congestive heart failure diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment of congestive heart failure?
    • Lifestyle modifications
    • Medications
    • Heart transplant
    • Other mechanical therapies
    • What is the long term outlook for patients with congestive heart failure?
    • What are the areas of new research in congestive heart failure?
  • Muscle Cramps Muscle cramps are involuntarily and forcibly contracted muscles that do not relax. Extremely common, any muscles that have...learn more »
    In This Article
    Muscle Cramps Article
    • Muscle cramps facts
    • What are muscle cramps?
    • What are the types and causes of muscle cramps?
    • Do all muscle cramps fit into the above categories?
    • Can medications cause muscle cramps?
    • Can vitamin deficiencies cause muscle cramps?
    • Can poor circulation cause muscle cramps?
    • What are the symptoms of common muscle cramps? How are muscle cramps diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment of skeletal muscle cramps?
    • How can muscle cramps be prevented?
    • Are there particular concerns for older adults?
    • Are there medications to prevent muscle cramps?
    • What is the prognosis of recurrent muscle cramps?
  • Liver Disease Liver disease can be cause by a variety of things including infection (hepatitis), diseases such as gallstones, high cholesterol...learn more »
    In This Article
    Liver Disease Article
    • Liver Disease Facts
    • What is liver disease?
    • What are the causes of liver disease?
    • What are the risk factors for liver disease?
    • What are the symptoms of liver disease?
    • When to seek medical care for liver disease
    • How is liver disease diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for liver disease?
    • What are the complications of liver disease?
    • Can liver disease be prevented?
    • What is the outlook (prognosis) for a person with liver disease?
  • Dizziness Dizziness is a symptom that is often applies to a variety of sensations including lightheadedness and vertigo. Causes of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Dizziness Article
    • Introduction to dizziness (feeling dizzy)
    • What are some common causes of dizziness?
    • Low blood pressure
    • Postural or orthostatic hypotension
    • High blood pressure
    • Diabetes
    • Endocrine diseases
    • Hyperventilation
    • Heart conditions
    • Vasovagal syncope
    • Dizziness and vertigo
    • What are the symptoms experienced when a person feels dizzy?
    • When should I call the doctor for dizziness?
    • How is dizziness diagnosed?
    • How is dizziness/vertigo diagnosed?
    • How is dizziness treated?
    • Dizziness At A Glance
  • Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes...learn more »
    In This Article
    Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2) Article
    • Diabetes facts
    • What is diabetes?
    • What is the impact of diabetes?
    • What causes diabetes?
    • What are the different types of diabetes?
    • Type 1 diabetes
    • Type 2 diabetes
    • Other types of diabetes
    • What are diabetes symptoms?
    • How is diabetes diagnosed?
    • Why is blood sugar checked at home?
    • What are the acute complications of diabetes?
    • What are the chronic complications of diabetes?
    • What can be done to slow diabetes complications?
  • Colitis Inflammation of the inner lining of the colon is referred to as colitis. Symptoms of the inflammation of the colon lining include...learn more »
    In This Article
    Colitis Article
    • What is colitis?
    • What are the causes (types) of colitis?
    • Infectious colitis
    • Ischemic colitis
    • Inflammatory bowel disease
    • Microscopic colitis
    • What are the symptoms of colitis?
    • When should I contact my doctor about colitis?
    • How is colitis diagnosed?
    • How is colitis treated?
    • What is the prognosis for a patient with colitis?
    • Colitis At A Glance
  • Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) Kidney infection (pyelonephritis) usually is caused from bacteria that have spread from the bladder from a UTI (urinary tract...learn more »
    In This Article
    Kidney Infection (Pyelonephritis) Article
    • Kidney infection facts
    • What is the function of the kidneys?
    • Where are the kidneys located?
    • What is a kidney infection?
    • What are the causes of kidney infection?
    • What are risk factors for kidney and urinary tract infection?
    • Is screening recommended for UTI or kidney infection?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of kidney infection?
    • How is kidney infection diagnosed?
    • What are different types of kidney infection?
    • What are the common bacteria that cause kidney infections?
    • What is the treatment for kidney infection?
    • Are there foods I should avoid if I have a kidney infection?
    • Can kidney infection be prevented?
  • Dehydration Dehydration is the excessive loss of body water. There are a number of causes of dehydration including heat exposure, prolonged...learn more »
    In This Article
    Dehydration Article
    • Dehydration facts
    • What is dehydration?
    • What causes dehydration?
    • Dehydration pictures
    • What are the signs and symptoms of dehydration?
    • What about dehydration in children?
    • How is dehydration diagnosed?
    • How is dehydration treated?
    • Can I treat dehydration at home?
    • What are the complications of dehydration?
    • How can dehydration be prevented?
  • Stroke A stroke results from impaired oxygen delivery to brain cells via the bloodstream. A stroke is also referred to as a CVA, or...learn more »
    In This Article
    Stroke Article
    • Stroke facts
    • What is a stroke?
    • What causes a stroke?
    • What are the risk factors for stroke?
    • What is a transient ischemic attack (TIA)?
    • What is the impact of strokes?
    • What are stroke symptoms?
    • What should be done if you suspect you or someone else is having a stroke?
    • How is a stroke diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment of a stroke?
    • What complications can occur after a stroke?
    • What can be done to prevent a stroke?
    • What is in the future for stroke treatment?
  • Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium) Hyponatremia is a condition where the level of sodium in the blood is low. Causes of hyponatremia can occur from excess fluid in...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hyponatremia (Low Blood Sodium) Article
    • What is hyponatremia (low blood sodium)?
    • What causes hyponatremia (low blood sodium)?
    • What are the symptoms of hyponatremia (low blood sodium)?
    • How is hyponatremia diagnosed (low blood sodium)?
    • How is hyponatremia treated (low blood sodium)?
    • Hyponatremia At A Glance
    • Related hyponatremia article:
      Hyponatremia (Low Sodium) - on eMedicineHealth
  • Ascites Ascites, the accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity is most commonly caused by cirrhosis of the liver. Some of the other...learn more »
    In This Article
    Ascites Article
    • What is ascites?
    • What causes ascites?
    • What are the types of ascites?
    • What are the risk factors for ascites?
    • What are the symptoms of ascites?
    • When should I call my doctor about ascites?
    • How is ascites diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for ascites?
    • What are the complications for ascites?
    • Can ascites be prevented?
    • What is the outlook for ascites?
    • Ascites At A Glance
    • Other sources of information on ascites
  • Heat Stroke Heat stroke (heatstroke or sun stroke) is a form of hyperthermia. Heat stroke is a true medical emergency that can be fatal if...learn more »
    In This Article
    Heat Stroke Article
    • Heat stroke facts
    • What is, and who is at risk for heat stroke?
    • What are heat stroke symptoms and signs?
    • What about heat stroke in children?
    • How do you treat a heat stroke victim?
    • How can heat stroke be prevented?
  • Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium) Hyperkalemia is an abnormally high level of potassium in the blood. Symptoms of hyperkalemia include nausea, fatigue, tingling...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hyperkalemia (High Blood Potassium) Article
    • What is hyperkalemia?
    • How does hyperkalemia affect the body?
    • What are the symptoms of hyperkalemia?
    • What causes hyperkalemia?
    • Kidney dysfunction
    • Diseases of the adrenal gland
    • Potassium shifts
    • Medications
    • How is hyperkalemia diagnosed?
    • How is hyperkalemia treated?
    • Related hyperkalemia (high sodium blood levels) article:
      Hyperkalemia - on eMedicineHealth
  • Fainting (Syncope) Fainting, also referred to as blacking out, syncope, or temporary loss of consciousness has many causes. Often a person will have...learn more »
    In This Article
    Fainting (Syncope) Article
    • Introduction to fainting (syncope)
    • What causes fainting (syncope)?
    • Heart rhythm changes
    • Heart structural conditions
    • Heart valve conditions
    • Sudden cardiac death
    • Postural hypotension
    • Vasovagal syncope
    • Anemia
    • Dehydration
    • Orthostatic hypotension
    • Vertebrobasilar system
    • Electrolyte imbalance
    • Other medications and drugs
    • Pregnancy
    • What are the signs and symptoms of fainting (syncope)?
    • How is fainting (syncope) diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for fainting (syncope)?
    • Can fainting (syncope) be prevented?
    • Fainting (Syncope) At A Glance
  • Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot in the Lung) A pulmonary embolism occurs when a piece of a blood clot from deep vein thrombosis (DVT) breaks off and travels to an artery in...learn more »
    In This Article
    Pulmonary Embolism (Blood Clot in the Lung) Article
    • Pulmonary embolism facts
    • What is a pulmonary embolism?
    • What are the causes and risk factors for pulmonary embolism?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of pulmonary embolism?
    • How is pulmonary embolism diagnosed?
    • History and physical examination
    • Basic testing (CBC, electrolytes, BUN, creatinine blood test, chest x-ray, EKG)
    • Pulmonary angiogram
    • d-Dimer blood test
    • CT Scan
    • Ventilation-perfusion scans
    • Venous Doppler study
    • Echocardiography (EKG, ECG)
    • What is the treatment for pulmonary embolism?
    • Anticoagulation
    • Thrombolytic therapy
    • What is the prognosis for pulmonary embolism?
    • Can pulmonary embolism be prevented?
  • Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis) Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) is a bacterium, and is one of the most common causes of infection of the colon. C. difficile...learn more »
    In This Article
    Clostridium Difficile Colitis (Antibiotic-Associated Colitis, C. difficile colitis) Article
    • What is Clostridium difficile (C. difficile?)
    • What Clostridium difficile colitis?
    • How does Clostridium difficile cause colitis?
    • What are the symptoms of Clostridium difficile colitis?
    • Which antibiotics cause Clostridium difficile colitis?
    • How is Clostridium difficile colitis diagnosed?
    • How is Clostridium difficile colitis treated?
    • Why are there relapses of Clostridium difficile colitis?
    • How are relapses of Clostridium difficile colitis treated?
    • What is new in Clostridium difficile?
  • Hydronephrosis Hydronephrosis is a condition in which the kidney swells, due to a backup of urine. Hydronephrosis generally occurs with another...learn more »
    In This Article
    Hydronephrosis Article
    • What is hydronephrosis?
    • What causes hydronephrosis?
    • What are the symptoms of hydronephrosis?
    • When should I seek medical care for hydronephrosis?
    • How is hydronephrosis diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for hydronephrosis?
    • What are the complications of hydronephrosis?
    • Can hydronephrosis be prevented?
    • Hydronephrosis At A Glance
  • Encephalopathy Encephalopathy means brain disease, damage, or malfunction. Causes of encephalopathy are varied and numerous. The main symptom of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Encephalopathy Article
    • Encephalopathy facts
    • Encephalopathy definition and overview
    • What causes encephalopathy?
    • What are the symptoms of encephalopathy?
    • How is encephalopathy diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for encephalopathy?
    • What are the complications of encephalopathy?
    • What is the prognosis (outlook) for encephalopathy?
    • Can encephalopathy be prevented?
    • For more information on types of encephalopathy
  • Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) Premature ventricular contractions (PVCs) are premature heartbeats originating from the ventricles of the heart. PVCs are...learn more »
    In This Article
    Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVCs) Article
    • What are premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)?
    • What happens during a premature ventricular contraction?
    • How common are premature ventricular contractions?
    • What causes premature ventricular contractions?
    • What are premature ventricular contraction symptoms?
    • What are the dangers of premature ventricular contractions?
    • How is premature ventricular contraction diagnosed?
    • What are the treatments for premature ventricular contractions?
  • Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) Potassium is an essential electrolyte necessary for cell function. Low potassium (hypokalemia) may be caused by diarrhea,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Low Potassium (Hypokalemia) Article
    • What is is potassium?
    • What are the causes of low potassium (hypokalemia)?
    • What are the symptoms of low potassium?
    • How is low potassium diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for low potassium?
    • How can low potassium be prevented?
  • Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders) Heart rhythm disorders vary from minor palpitations, premature atrial contractions (PACs), premature ventricular contractions...learn more »
    In This Article
    Abnormal Heart Rhythms (Heart Rhythm Disorders) Article
    • How does the heart work?
    • Premature atrial contractions (PACs) and premature ventricular contractions (PVCs)
    • Sinus tachycardia
    • Sinus bradycardia
    • Abnormal heart rhythms
    • Tachycardia
    • Ventricular fibrillation
    • Ventricular flutter
    • Paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT)
    • Wolf-Parkinson-White Syndrome
    • Atrial fibrillation
    • Atrial Flutter
    • Bradycardia
    • Heart blocks
    • When should I seek medical care?
    • How are heart rhythm disorders diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for heart rhythm disorders?
    • Can heart rhythm disorders be prevented?
  • Myxedema Coma Myxedema coma is the loss of brain function due to severe longstanding low levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. Myxedema coma...learn more »
    In This Article
    Myxedema Coma Article
    • What is myxedema coma?
    • Who is affected by myxedema coma?
    • What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
    • What causes myxedema coma?
    • What are triggers of myxedema coma?
    • What are the symptoms of myxedema coma?
    • How is myxedema coma diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for myxedema coma?
    • How can myxedema coma be prevented?
  • Orthostatic Hypotension Orthostatic hypotension symptoms include lightheadedness, weakness, blurred vision, and syncope or passing out. Causes of...learn more »
    In This Article
    Orthostatic Hypotension Article
    • What is orthostatic hypotension?
    • What causes orthostatic hypotension?
    • What are the risk factors for orthostatic hypotension?
    • What are the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension?
    • When should I call the doctor for orthostatic hypotension?
    • How is orthostatic hypotension diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for orthostatic hypotension?
    • What are the complications of orthostatic hypotension?
    • How can orthostatic hypotension be prevented?
    • Orthostatic Hypotension At A Glance
  • Fatigue Fatigue can be described in various ways. Sometimes fatigue is described as feeling a lack of energy and motivation (both mental...learn more »
    In This Article
    Fatigue Article
    • Fatigue Facts
    • Fatigue introduction
    • What causes fatigue?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of fatigue?
    • How is the cause of fatigue diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for fatigue?
    • Can fatigue be prevented?
  • Burns (First Aid) Burns are categorized by severity as first, second, or third degree. First degree burns are similar to a painful sunburn. The...learn more »
    In This Article
    Burns (First Aid) Article
    • Introduction to burns
    • How are burns classified?
    • What is the significance of the amount of body area burned?
    • How important is the location of a burn?
    • What about electrical burns?
    • What about chemical burns?
    • First aid for burns
  • Arsenic Poisoning Arsenic comes in two forms, inorganic and organic. Organic arsenic poisoning is usually not poisonous to humans; however,...learn more »
    In This Article
    Arsenic Poisoning Article
    • Arsenic facts
    • What is arsenic?
    • What is inorganic arsenic?
    • What is organic arsenic?
    • What are the symptoms of arsenic poisoning?
    • How is arsenic poisoning diagnosed?
    • How is arsenic poisoning treated?
    • What is the prognosis (outcome) of arsenic poisoning?
    • What foods, products, or liquids (water) is arsenic found and where is it used?
  • Coma Coma is the inability to waken or react to the surrounding environment. The Glasgow Coma Scale is frequently used to measure the...learn more »
    In This Article
    Coma Article
    • What is a "coma"?
    • What is the Glasgow Coma Scale?
    • What are the causes of a coma?
    • Trauma
    • Bleeding (Hemorrhage)
    • Epidural, subdural, and subarachnoid hemorrhages
    • Tumors
    • Swelling
    • Infection
    • Lack of oxygen
    • Hypoglycemic coma
    • Poisons
    • How is coma assessed?
    • What tests are there for coma?
    • What is the outcome and prognosis for a patient in a coma?
    • Induced Coma
  • Drowning Drowning is a common cause of death and disability worldwide. In the US, it is the third most common cause of accidental death....learn more »
    In This Article
    Drowning Article
    • What is drowning?
    • What happens during drowning?
    • What are the complications of drowning?
    • Does the type of drowning matter?
    • What are the risk factors of drowning?
    • What are the symptoms of drowning?
    • When should one seek medical care for drowning?
    • How is drowning diagnosed?
    • How is drowning treated?
    • How can drowning be prevented?
    • What is the prognosis for a drowning victim?
  • Yellow Fever Yellow fever is an infectious disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes. Side effects are rare with the yellow fever vaccine....learn more »
    In This Article
    Yellow Fever Article
    • What is yellow fever? What is the history of yellow fever?
    • What causes yellow fever?
    • How is yellow fever transmitted?
    • What areas are high-risk for contracting yellow fever?
    • What is the incubation period for yellow fever?
    • What are yellow fever symptoms and signs?
    • How is yellow fever diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for yellow fever?
    • What is the prognosis for people with yellow fever?
    • Can yellow fever be prevented?
    • Where can people get more information on yellow fever?
    • Yellow Fever At A Glance
  • Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) Cyclic vomiting syndrome is a condition in which affected individuals have severe nausea and vomiting that come in cycles....learn more »
    In This Article
    Cyclic Vomiting Syndrome (CVS) Article
    • Cyclic vomiting syndrome facts*
    • What is cyclic vomiting syndrome?
    • What are the symptoms of cyclic vomiting syndrome?
    • What triggers cyclic vomiting syndrome?
    • What are the four phases of cyclic vomiting syndrome?
    • How is cyclic vomiting syndrome diagnosed?
    • How is cyclic vomiting syndrome treated?
    • What are the complications if cyclic vomiting syndrome is not treated?
    • What is the relationship between cyclic vomiting syndrome and migraines?
    • What other features and conditions accompany cyclic vomiting syndrome?
    • How common is cyclic vomiting syndrome?
    • What are the genetic changes related to cyclic vomiting syndrome?
    • How do people inherit cyclic vomiting syndrome?
    • What other names do people use for cyclic vomiting syndrome?
  • Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a diseases in which blood clots within the capillaries. Causes associated with HUS include E....learn more »
    In This Article
    Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome Article
    • Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) facts
    • What is a "syndrome?"
    • What is hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS)?
    • What causes hemolytic uremic syndrome?
    • What are the signs and symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome?
    • How is hemolytic uremic syndrome diagnosed?
    • What is the treatment for hemolytic uremic syndrome?
    • What is the prognosis of hemolytic uremic syndrome?
    • How can hemolytic uremic syndrome be prevented?
  • Ulcerative Colitis Diet Ulcerative colitis diet can help you avoid the foods that aggravate this bowel condition. Self-management of ulcerative colitis...learn more »
    In This Article
    Ulcerative Colitis Diet Article
    • Ulcerative colitis introduction
    • What is ulcerative colitis?
    • How can an ulcerative colitis diet plan help?
    • What foods are included in an ulcerative colitis diet plan?
    • What foods should I avoid in an ulcerative colitis diet plan?
    • How can I remember the foods that trigger my ulcerative colitis symptoms?
    • What else is important with an ulcerative colitis diet?
    • What does the latest research show about the link between nutrients and inflammation?