5. Respiratory failure
Hypokalemia is a very common electrolyte disturbance caused by a deficiency of potassium in the bloodstream. Although hypokalemia most often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms one glaring symptom is respiratory distress and respiratory failure. Respiratory failure occurs when there isn’t enough oxygen traveling from your lungs into your blood. In order for your body to function, you need oxygen-rich blood. In addition, your blood needs to get rid of dangerous carbon dioxide that may harm your organs.
Severe hypokalemia can cause a weakness in the muscles that prevent the exchange from occurring efficiently. Respiratory failure related to hypokalemia can be acute or chronic though in most cases the underlying illness that is causing hypokalemia will need to be rectified in order to resolve the problem.
If you are suffering from acute respiratory failure from hypokalemia, be aware that it has a rapid onset requires emergency treatment in order to survive.