Acute (Pancreatitis) y Acute: upper abdominal pain y Abdominal (epigastric) pain that radiates to your back y Pain that

fells worse after eating y Side lying position, head 45 degrees y NPO y Nausea y Vomiting y Tenderness when touching the abdomen y Increased amylase, ammonia. Appendicitis: Inflammation of the appendix. y Increased WBC y Right lower abdominal pain y NPO y Pain worsens with cough y Nausea and vomiting y Loss of appetite y Abdominal swelling y fever Chronic (Pancreatitis) y y y y Upper abdominal pain Indigestion Losing weight without trying Oily, smelly stools (steatorrhea)

Cholecystitis: Inflammation of the gallbladder. y Severe, steady pain in the upper right part of your abdomen to your right shoulder and back y Tenderness over your abdomen when it's touched y Sweating

y y y y y y y

Nausea Vomiting Fever Chills Abdominal bloating Consume fresh fruits and vegetables, fish. avoid gravies, sausage, fatty meats.

Chronic gastritis y y y y y y y y y y y Nausea or recurrent upset stomach Abdominal bloating Abdominal pain Vomiting Indigestion Burning or gnawing feeling in the stomach between meals or at night Hiccups Loss of appetite Vomiting blood or coffee ground-like material Black, tarry stools Lack of vitamin. B12

Peptic Ulcer: A hole in the gut lining of the stomach, duodenum, or esophagus. y A gnawing or burning pain in the middle or upper stomach between meals or at night y Bloating y Heartburn y Nausea or vomiting y In severe cases, symptoms can include: y Dark or black stool (due to bleeding) y Vomiting blood (can have a "coffee-grounds" appearance) y Weight loss y Rigid and board like abdomen y Severe pain in the mid to upper abdomen (midepigastric area) Caused by: Smoking, aspirin, ibuprofen, h. pylori, caffeine, alcohol, stress.

Duodenal Ulcer: y Pain in midepigastric area y pain relieved by food intake y heartburn Dumping Syndrome y Vertigo y Tachycardia y Hypotension y Hyperactive bowel sounds y Diarrhea y Syncope y Sweating y Pallor y Palpitations y Desire to lie down y Avoid carbohydrates and fluids taken at meals ex. fruit nectar. Consume high protein diet. y low fowlers (semi-recumbent) position during meals. y Lie down 30 min. after eating to delay gastric emptying. Crohns Disease y Diarrhea y Abdominal pain and cramping y Blood in stool y Ulcers y Reduced appetite and weight loss y Diet: High protein, high calorie food. Avoid foods high in fiber, whole grains and bran, raw fruits and vegetables, gas producing foods-cabbage, broccoli, etc. Cirrhosis y Pain the upper right quadrant of abdomen y Nausea and vomiting y Ascites (fluid) y Loss of appetite y Jaundice

y y y y

Fatigue Itching Consume low protein High ammonia levels, bilirubin, ast, alt.

Ulcerative Colitis: Inflammatory bowel disease. y decreased hemoglobin y bloody diarrhea 10-20 daily. y Weight loss y Anorexia y Increased WBC y Dehydration y Hyponatremia y Hypokalemia y Consume low fiber diet, no fresh fruits, vegetables, whole wheat grains, lactose. Mental health Parkinson disease y Resting tremor-shakiness in resting hand. y Rigidity-muscle stiffness. y Bradykinesia-slow movements, longer to walk. y Postural instability-trouble with balance, walking in straight line. y Generalized fatigue y Facial mask-lack of emotional expressions on face. y Slurred speech y Constipation y Difficulty swallowing y Excessive salvation, sweating y Loss of bowel/bladder control y Loss of intellectual capacity y Personality change y Micrographia or small, cramped handwriting y Anosmia-loss of sense of smell y Anxiety or depression y Sleep disturbances

Treatment: physical and occupational therapy, levodopa. After using levodopa for over 5 years, people begin having problems with motor complications (wears off) uncontrollable jerking movements. Take Comtan, when levodopa starts losing its effectiveness. Alzheimers Disease y Loss of abstract thinking-lose ability to draw conclusions and solve problems. y Disorientation-get lost. y Lack of initiative-sitting in front of tv for hours. y Language problems-often forget words. y Misplacing words/ y Mood swings-calm to anger y Personality changes-becoming confused, suspicious, fearful. y Poor judgment. Pyelonephritis- Inflammation of the substance in the kidney as a result of bacterial infection. y Back pain or flank pain y Fever and/or chills y Feeling sick (malaise) y Nausea and vomiting y Confusion y Blood in urine (hematuria) y Cloudy or foul-smelling urine y Pain when urinating y Increased frequency or urgency of urination. Causes: stones in bladder, ureters, kidneys. (BPH) diabetes. Treatment: antibiotics prescribed for seven days. Glomerulonephritis: Acute inflammation of the kidney, typically caused by an immune response. y Pink or cola-colored urine, blood in urine (hematuria) y Foamy urine due to excess protein (proteinuria) y Hypertension y Edema (fluid retention) with swelling evident in your face, hands, feet and abdomen.

y Fatigue from anemia or kidney failure. y shortness of breath y muscle and joint aches y fever y diarrhea y abdominal pain Treatment: Diuretics (to control high blood pressure), angiotensionconverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. Osteoporosis: y Back pain y Loss of height over time y A stooped posture y Fracture of the vertebrae, wrist, hip or other bone Risk Factors: Smoking, low body weight, estrogen deficiency, early menopause before 45, poor diet, alcoholism. Treatment: Calcium, Vitamin D. Rheumatoid Arthritis: Inflammatory arthritis and autoimmune. y Joint pain and swelling y Morning stiffness y Fatigue and weight loss y Firm bumps of tissue under skin Treatment: Reduce joint inflammation and pain. Gout: Excessive build-up of uric acid causes arthritis. y The buildup of uric acid can lead to kidney stones. y The small joint at the base of the big toe is the most common site for acute gout attack of arthritis. y Pain y Swelling y Redness y Heat y Stiffness in joints

Causes: Body increases amount of uric acid it makes, kidneys dont get enough uric acid, a person eats foods high in purines. Treatment: Nonsteroidal anti-inflmmatory (NSAIDS), such as ibuprofen, corticosteroids. Osteoarthritis: Degeneration of joint cartilage and the underlying bone. y Pain y Tenderness y Stiffness y Loss of flexibility y Grating sensation y Bone spurs (hard lumps) Causes: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, obesity. Treatment: weight loss, exercise, diet, vitamin d. Osteomyelitis: Inflammation of bone or bone marrow, due to infection. y Fever or chills y Pain in the area of infection y Redness y swelling y Warmth y Stiffness y Inability to walk. Causes: urinary tract infection, pneumonia that spreads from blood to bone. Treatment: Treatment: antibiotics and pain medications. Osteomalacia: Softening of the bones by deficiency of vitamin D or calcium. y Bone fractures w/very little injury y Muscle weakness y Widespread bone pain, especially in hips y Abnormal heart rhythms y Numbness of arms and mouth y Spasms of hands or feet Treatment: Vitamin D, calcium, phosphorus supplements. Leukemia: It is cancer of blood or bone marrow (abnormal white blood cells). y Are at increased risk for developing infections, anemia, and bleeding.

y Fever or chills y Persistent fatigue or weakness y Frequent infections y Losing weight y Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen y Easy bleeding or bruising y Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae) y Excessive sweating, especially at night y Bone pain or tenderness Causes: Genetic and environment factors Treatment: Chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplant. Sickle Cell Disease: Generation of abnormal red blood cells. y The sickened red blood cells are fragile and ruptures and anemia occurs. y Shortness of breath y Dizziness y Headaches y Coldness in hands and feet y Jaundice y paler skin y Infections are common d/t rupture of spleen which prevents infections. y Pulmonary hypertension-damage to small blood vessels in lungs y Stroke y Eye problems (blindness) d/t damage of small blood vessels that carry blood to eyes. y Gallstones y Ulcers on legs y Multiple organ failure. Treatment: Blood transfusions (to prevent stroke), pain medicines, plenty of fluids, antibiotics, kidney dialysis, wound care on leg ulcers. Pneumonia: Is an infection of the lungs that is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Inflammation of the alveoli in the lungs, filled with fluid. y Cough y Rusty or green mucus (sputum) coughed up from lungs y Fever y Fast breathing and shortness of breath

y y y y y y y y y y y

Shaking chills Chest pain that worsens when taking deep breath Fast heartbeat Fatigue and feeling very weak Nausea and vomiting Diarrhea Sweating Headache Muscle pain Confusion and delirium Dusky or purplish skin color (cyanosis) from poorly oxygenated blood.

Causes: Smoke, alcoholism, COPD, emphysema, asthma, HIV/AIDS, malnourished. Treatment: Reducing fever, reducing aches and pains, and suppressing coughs, plenty of rest and sleep and drink lots of fluids. Cataracts: Clouding of the eyes natural lens, which lies behind the iris and the pupil. y Principle cause of blindness y Clouded, blurred or dim vision y Increasing difficulty with vision at night y Sensitivity to light and glare y Seeing halos around lights y Fading or yellowing of colors y Double vision in a single eye Treatment: Cataract surgery called phacoemuldification, the lens are softened with sound waves and removed through a needle. Extracapsular surgery where the lens are removed and back half of the capsule behind the lens remains in place. Intracapsular surgery removes the entire lens. Glaucoma: A condition of increased pressure within the eyeball, causing gradual loss of sight. No symptoms. y Cloudy or haloed vision y Eye pain y Nausea or headaches y Light sensitivity y Excessive blinking

y Crossed or out-turned eyes y One eye becoming larger than other y Excessive tearing y Decreased vision Treatment: Menieres Disease: Is a condition with vertigo, tinnitus, and progressive deafness. y Recurring episodes of vertigo y Hearing loss y Tinnitus y Aural fullness(pressure in ear) y Nystagmus y Nausea y Sweating y Improper balance Treatment: Anti-nausea medications-promethazine. Motion sickness medications such as antivert, or valium, and hearing aid. Guillain Barre syndrome: A condition where your bodys immune system attacks your nerves(nervous system). y Pricking pins and needles sensations in fingers or toes y Weakness or tingling sensations in legs that spread to upper body y Unsteady walking or inability to walk y Severe pain in your lower back y Difficulty with bladder control or intestinal functions y Rapid heart rate y Low or high blood pressure y Difficulty breathing. Treatments: Plasmapheresis-cleans your blood of damaging antibodies. Intravenous immune globumin-a type of protein that contains healthy antibodies from blood donors. Physical and occupational therapy. Meningitis: Inflammation of the meninges (membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord) caused by viral or bacterial infection. y high fever y severe headache y stiff neck y vomiting or nausea with headache

y y y y y y

confusion or difficulty concentrating seizures sleepiness or difficulty waking up sensitivity to light lack of interest in drinking and eating skin rash

Infants with meningitis: y high fever y constant crying y excessive sleepiness y inactivity or sluggishness y poor feeding y stiffness in babys body and neck y seizures Treatment: antibiotics, corticosteroid to reduce pressure in brain, Tylenol to reduce fever, medications to prevent seizures as Phenobarbital or dilantin, oxygen, giving fluids d/t infection. Migraine: y abnormal body sensations, called paresthesis, such as tingling, numbing or prickling. y caused by vasodilatation (enlargement of blood vessels). y Diarrhea y Dizziness or vertigo y Nausea and vomiting y Scalp tenderness y Sensitivity to light or sound y Throbbing or pounding pain, one side of the head y Visual disturbances, such as flashes of light or blind spots in your vision (Aura), blurred vision, or temporary visual loss. y Worsening of pain with movement. Treatment: Pain-relieving medications such as ibuprofen, Tylenol. Also, preventive medications. Triptans is the drug of choice. Hirschsprung disease: Disease of the large intestine that causes severe constipation or intestinal obstruction d/t lack of nerve cells in a part or all of the large intestine.

Huntington Disease: Is a hereditary brain disorder. Nerve cells become damaged, causing various parts of the brain to deteriorate. y Involuntary jerking or writhing movements (chorea) y Involuntary, sustained contracture of muscles (dystonia) y Muscle rigidity y Slow, uncoordinated fine movements y Slow or abnormal eye movements y Impaired gait, posture and balance y Difficulty with the physical production of speech y Difficulty swallowing y Cognitive disorders: y Difficulty planning, organizing and prioritizing tasks y Inability to start a task or conversation y Lack of flexibility y Lack of impulse control, acting without thinking y Lack of awareness of ones behaviors and potential y Difficulty focusing on a task for long periods of time y Slowness in processing thoughts or finding words y Difficulty in learning new information Treatment: Xenapine for controlling jerking movements and writhing movements. Antipsychotic drugs such as haldol, suppressing movements, valium, antidepressants. Appendicitis: is the swelling (inflammation) of the appendix. Occurs when becomes blocked by stool, etc. y Dull pain near the naval or the upper abdomen that becomes sharp as it moves to the lower right abdomen. y Loss of appetite y Nausea and/or vomiting soon after abdominal pain begins y Abdominal swelling y Fever of 99 F to 102 F y Inability to pass gas y Dull or sharp pain in the upper and lower abdomen, back, rectum. y Painful urination y Vomiting w/abdominal pain y Severe cramps y Constipation or diarrhea with gas Treatment: Remove the appendix before it ruptures and peritonitis is made.

Diverticular disease: Inflammation of a diverticulum, esp. in the colon, causing pain and disturbance of bowel function. y Pain thats often sudden, severe and located in the lower left side of the abdomen y Abdominal tenderness y Fever y Nausea and vomiting y Bloating y Constipation y Diarrhea y Colon obstruction y Bleeding into the colon y Bleeding from your rectum Treatment: Clear liquid or band diet low in fiber until pain goes away, then increase fiber. Peritonitis: Inflammation of the peritoneum caused by bacterial infection by blood or rupture of abdominal organ. y Abdominal pain or tenderness y Bloating or feeling of fullness (distention) in abdomen. y Fever and chills y Nausea and vomiting y Loss of appetite y Diarrhea y Low urine output y Thirst y Inability to pass stool or gas y Fatigue Cystic Fibrosis: Buildup of mucus to clog organs in body, lungs and pancreas. When mucus clogs the lungs, it can make breathing very difficult. The thick mucus causes bacteria to get stuck in airways, which causes inflammation and infections that lead to lung damage. y Persistent cough y Wheezing y Repeated lung infections y Repeated sinus infections

y Foul-smelling, greasy stools y Poor weight and growth y Distended abdomen from constipation Hiatal hernia: Part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest. Pyloric Stenosis: The narrowing of part of stomach (the pylorus) that leads into the small intestines. Narrowing occurs d/t muscle around pylorus grows too large. y Projectile vomiting y Persistent hunger y Stomach contractions y Dehydration y Weight loss Gastritis: inflammation of the lining of the stomach. y Upper abdominal discomfort or pain y Nausea and vomiting y Blood in vomit y Black, tarry stools y Red blood in the stool Anemia: y Fatigue y Pale skin y Fast or irregular heartbeat y Shortness of breath y Chest pain y Dizziness y Cognitive problems y Cold hands and feet y Headache Pernicious anemia: Decrease in red blood cells d/t insufficiency to absorb vitamin B12 which is necessary for proper development of red blood cells. y Weakness in arms and legs y Sore tongue y Appetite loss and weight loss y Bleeding gums y Numbness and tingling in hands and feet y Difficulty maintaining proper balance

y Pale lips, tongue and gums y Yellow eyes and skin y SOB y Confusion and dementia y Tinnitus Treatment: Monthly injections of b12. Hepatitis A: Spread through food and water contaminated by feces from an infected person. y International travelers to developing countries. y Sex with infected person y Use of illicit drugs Hepatitis B: Spread through contact with infected blood, through sex with an infected person, and from mother to child during childbirth, whether the delivery is vaginal or via cesarean section. y Sex with multiple partners y Injection drug users y Infants born to infected mothers y Hemodialysis patients Hepatitis C: Spread through contact with infected blood. y Injection drug users y People with multiple sex partners y Hemodialysis Syphilis: Sexually transmitted disease (STD), by bacterium Treponema pallidum. y General body rash y Rash on the palms of the hands and the soles of the feet y White (mucous) patches in mouth or genital area y Temporary loss of patches of hair y Wet, raised, wart-like growths often in the genital area y Nickel/dime sized lesions on face y Malaise Gonorrhea: Sexually transmitted disease (STD), caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae. y Pain or burning sensation when passing urine y Vaginal discharge that is yellow or bloody y Bleeding between menstrual periods y Heavy bleeding with periods y Pain during sex

Herpes: y Muscle aches or pains near to the area y A blister, cut, tear, sore, bump or rash in the infected area y Itching, tingling, or burning sensations y Vaginal or penile discharge y Burning and/or pain when urinating y Flu-like symptoms such as headache, fever and swollen glands Chlamydia: Sexually transmitted disease (STD) caused by Chlamydia trachomatis which can damage a womans reproductive organs. y Lower abdominal pain y Low back pain y Nausea y Fever y Pain during sex y Irregular menstrual periods y Women: need to urinate more y Pain while passing urine y Men: y White cloudy and watery discharge from penis y Burning sensation or pain passing urine y Pain and swelling in the testicles Hyperkalemia: The most common cause of high potassium (hyperkalemia) is impaired kidney function. Other causes of hyperkalemia include:
y y y y

Certain medications, such as angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin Receptor Blocker (ARB) Heparon, Bactrum. Hormone deficiencies, including adrenal failure (Addison's disease) Destruction of red blood cells due to severe injury or burns Excessive use of potassium supplements

Most of the potassium in your body is within your cells. As a result, the amount of potassium in your red blood cells is much greater than in the liquid part of your blood (plasma or serum). Your kidneys control the excretion of potassium in your urine. True hyperkalemia is a serious and potentially life-threatening disorder. It can cause:

y y y y

Muscle fatigue Weakness Paralysis Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias)

Sometimes a report of high blood potassium isn't true hyperkalemia. Instead it may be caused by the rupture of red blood cells in the blood sample during or shortly after drawing the sample. The ruptured cells leak their potassium into the serum. This falsely elevates the amount of potassium in the blood sample, even though the potassium level in your body is actually normal. Hypokalemia: Low potassium in the blood (hypokalemia) may result from many different conditions. The most common cause is excessive potassium loss in the urine or from the gastrointestinal tract, such as due to:
y y y y y

Use of diuretics Excessive production of the hormone aldosterone (hyperaldosteronism) by the adrenal gland Excessive use of laxatives Eating disorders Severe vomiting or diarrhea

Rarely, hypokalemia is due to not getting enough potassium in your diet. Potassium is an electrolyte that is critical to the function of nerve and muscles cells, including those in your heart. Most of the potassium in your body is inside your cells. So the levels of potassium in your blood may not reflect your total body potassium. Signs and symptoms of low potassium may include:
y y y y y y

Weakness Fatigue Muscle cramps Constipation Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) Certain kidney diseases such as renal tubular acidosis

Treatment is directed at the underlying cause of the low potassium and may include potassium supplements. A very low potassium level is life-threatening. Hypercalcemia: Hypercalcemia is a higher than normal level of calcium in the blood. The most

common cause is an overactive parathyroid gland (hyperparathyroidism). The parathyroid glands, which are located below the thyroid gland, regulate calcium in your body. Other causes of hypercalcemia include:
y y y y y y y y

Certain medications, such as lithium or thiazide diuretics Certain cancers, including breast, lung and certain blood cancers Sarcoidosis, an inflammatory disorder Excessive intake of calcium or vitamin D supplements Familial hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, a genetic disorder Dialysis for chronic kidney failure Adrenal gland failure Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism)

Severe hypercalcemia may cause:

y y y y y y y

Nausea, vomiting Excessive thirst Constipation Abdominal pain Muscle weakness Confusion Lethargy and fatigue

A doctor may make a diagnosis of hypercalcemia by a blood test. Treatment is directed at the underlying cause. Severe hypercalcemia may require hospitalization to reduce calcium to safe levels. In such cases, treatment may include:
y y y y

Intravenous fluids Diuretics Bisphosphonates Glucocorticoids (corticosteroids)

If untreated, hypercalcemia can lead to:

y y y y

Kidney stones Osteoporosis Abnormal heart rhythm (arrhythmia) Kidney failure

Hyponatremia (Low Sodium)

What Is Hyponatremia? Hyponatremia is an electrolyte imbalance and is indicated by a low level of sodium in the blood. The normal adult value for sodium is 136-145 mEq/L. Sodium is an element, or an electrolyte, that is found in the blood. Sodium chloride is known commonly as table salt. What Causes Hyponatremia? Certain conditions may cause a lack of sodium in the blood. Specific causes of hyponatremia include: Water intoxication (water replacement without replacement of blood electrolytes). Kidney, heart or liver problems. Drugs - such as diuretics, Heparin, certain chemotherapy drugs (Aminoglutethimide, Cyclophosphamide and Vincristine). Conditions related to steroid, hormone or defects in your metabolism such as: Syndrome of Inappropriate Anti-Diuretic Hormone (SIADH) - This occurs when a hormone, ADH, is not being properly regulated. You may be urinating frequently, and your kidneys are excreting too much sodium. This may occur as a result of many conditions, including certain types of lung cancer.
y y y y y y y y y y

Nausea and vomiting Headache Confusion Loss of energy Fatigue Restlessness and irritability Muscle weakness, spasms or cramps Seizures Unconsciousness Coma Hypernatremia (High Sodium) What Is Hypernatremia?

Hypernatremia is an electrolyte imbalance and is indicated by a high level of sodium in the blood. The normal adult value for sodium is 136-145 mEq/L. Sodium is an element, or an electrolyte, that is found in the blood. What Causes Hypernatremia? Certain conditions may cause an excess of sodium in the blood. Specific causes of hypernatremia include: Dehydration or a loss of body fluids from prolonged vomiting, diarrhea, sweating or high fevers. Dehydration from not drinking enough water. Drugs such as steroids, licorice, and certain blood pressure lowering medicines. Certain endocrine diseases such as diabetes (when very frequent urination occurs) or aldosteronism. You may eat a lot of salt. Hyperventilation (breathing too fast). Things You Can Do If Your Blood Test Results Indicate Hypernatremia: Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding lowering your blood sodium level. If your blood levels are severely elevated, your health care professional may suggest that you receive intravenous (IV) fluids in the hospital or outpatient department, and monitor your levels. Sodium levels must be corrected carefully. If you have a very high sodium level, your healthcare provider will cautiously correct the levels, to a "safe level." It is important that you stay well hydrated if blood test results show that you have hypernatremia. Drink two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours, unless you are instructed otherwise. Follow all of your healthcare provider's recommendations for follow up blood work and laboratory tests.

Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can cause you to have electrolyte disturbances. Drugs That May Be Prescribed By Your Doctor for Hypernatremia: Intravenous (IV) fluids, or diuretics to lower your blood sodium levels. You will receive fluids if you are dehydrated, and you will receive loop diuretics if you have excess fluid in your body, but still are retaining sodium in your blood. Loop Diuretics - are also known as "water pills" as they work to decrease blood sodium levels, by making you urinate out extra fluid. When you lose fluid through the kidneys, you will lose potassium and sodium as well. A common example of this type of medication is Furosemide (e.g.Lasix).
y y y y y y y

Loss of appetite Nausea Vomiting Generalized weakness Excessive fatigue Faintness Excessive thirst

y y y y y y y y

Muscle spasms Muscle tremors Swelling Irritability Excessive sleepiness Confusion Seizures Coma

Hypomagnesemia (Low Magnesium) What Is Hypomagnesemia? Hypomagnesemia is an electrolyte imbalance and is indicated by a low level of magnesium in the blood. The normal adult value for magnesium is 1.5-2.5 mEq/L.

Magnesium is one of many electrolytes in your body and normal levels of magnesium are important for the maintenance of heart and nervous system function. What Causes Hypomagnesemia? Your body regulates magnesium levels by shifting magnesium into and out of cells. A shift of potassium into the cells causes hypomagnesemia. Magnesium can be excreted by your kidneys. Any damage to your kidneys, when they are not working properly, may cause a decrease in magnesium levels. There are other causes of hypomagnesemia. These include: You may be taking in too little magnesium in your diet. If you have stomach or bowel problems, you may not be able to absorb the magnesium you take in. Magnesium may not be absorbed properly due to alcohol use, diarrhea, or laxative use. Increased excretion of magnesium from your body Renal (kidney) damage - Losses of magnesium from the kidneys are a common cause of magnesium deficit. Certain drugs, including Cisplatin, Amphotericin B, or certain antibiotics may affect your kidneys. Endocrine disorders - such as Aldosteronism, or dysfunction with the thyroid and parathyroid glands or diabetes. Pregnancy Things You Can Do If Your Blood Test Results Indicate Hypomagnesemia: Follow your healthcare provider's instructions for increasing your blood magnesium level. If your blood levels are severely lowered, he or she may prescribe medications to lower the levels to a safe range.

Take all of your medications as directed. Drink 2 to 3 liters of fluid every 24 hours, unless you were told to restrict your fluid intake. Follow all of your healthcare provider's recommendations for follow up blood work and laboratory tests if blood test results indicate hypomagnesemia. Drugs That May Be Prescribed By Your Doctor for Hypomagnesemia: Magnesium supplements - This medication is given usually intravenously, to increase your blood magnesium level, if you have severely low blood magnesium levels. You may also take magnesium oxide in a pill form. Calcium and potassium supplements - If you have severely low blood magnesium levels, you may also have low calcium and potassium electrolyte levels. Your healthcare provider may order supplements in an IV or a pill form. Magnesium, potassium and calcium levels will not return to normal, unless all of these electrolytes are corrected. What Are Some Symptoms of Hypomagnesemia To Look For? y y y y y y Muscle weakness Confusion decreased reflexes with severely low blood magnesium levels "jerky" movements high blood pressure irregular heart rhythms with severely low blood magnesium levels

Hypermagnesemia (High Magnesium) What Is Hypermagnesemia? Hypermagnesemia is an electrolyte imbalance and is indicated by a high level of magnesium in the blood. The normal adult value for magnesium is 1.5-2.5 mEq/L. Magnesium is one of many electrolytes in your body. Normal levels of magnesium are important for the maintenance of heart, and nervous system function. What Causes Hypermagnesemia?

Your body regulates magnesium levels by shifting magnesium into and out of cells. When there is a breakdown or destruction of cells, the electrolyte magnesium moves from inside the cell, to outside of the cell wall. This shift of magnesium outside of the cells causes hypermagnesemia. Magnesium is excreted by your kidneys. Any damage to your kidneys, when they are not working properly, may cause an increase in magnesium levels. Other causes of hypermagnesemia include: Increased destruction or shift of potassium from within the cells. As seen with Tumor Lysis Syndrome, when you receive chemotherapy, the drugs will act by breaking down the tumor cells. When there is a rapid amount of cellular destruction, the components of the cells (including magnesium and potassium), will move outside of the cell and into the blood stream. People who receive chemotherapy for Leukemia, Lymphoma, or multiple Myeloma, may be at risk for Tumor Lysis Syndrome, if there is a large amount of disease present. Decreased excretion of potassium from your body. Renal (kidney) failure is the most common cause of magnesium excess. Your kidneys are not able to process and excrete magnesium and other electrolytes. You may be taking in too much magnesium in your diet, usually in the form of laxatives (such as milk of magnesia), or antacids. What Are Some Symptoms of Hypermagnesemia To Look For? You may not have any symptoms, unless your blood magnesium levels are significantly elevated. You may have muscle weakness, confusion, and decreased reflexes if your blood test results show severely low blood magnesium levels. Things You Can Do If Your Blood Test Results Indicate Hypermagnesemia: Follow your healthcare provider's instructions regarding lowering your blood magnesium level. If your blood levels are severely elevated, he or she may prescribe medications to lower the levels to a safe range.

Take all of your medications as directed if blood test results show you have hypermagnesemia. Avoid laxatives and antacids containing magnesium if your kidneys are not working properly. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as these can cause you to have electrolyte disturbances. Drugs That May Be Prescribed By Your Doctor For Hypermagnesemia: Calcium - This medication is given usually intravenously, to lower the blood magnesium level, if you have severely high blood magnesium levels. Hemodialysis - If you have a severely elevated blood magnesium level, and you are currently in kidney failure, your healthcare provider and a kidney specialist may order dialysis treatments. What Are Some Symptoms of Hypermagnesemia To Look For? y muscle weakness y confusion y decreased reflexes if your blood test results show severely low blood magnesium levels.