What Causes Hypokalemia?

Diarrhea And Vomiting

Diarrhea and vomiting can both lead to potassium loss because individuals lose electrolytes and minerals through their digestive tract. It typically takes a lot of vomiting or diarrhea to cause significant enough potassium loss to develop symptoms. Multiple conditions can cause both vomiting and diarrhea, and many are mild and will resolve on their own. Most bacterial and viral infections that cause these symptoms will resolve in a few days or weeks as long as affected individuals rest properly. If an individual's symptoms are serious enough that they're causing consistent dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or pain, they should talk to a doctor to make sure there isn't an underlying condition. Some underlying conditions can cause chronic or persistent diarrhea, but this can typically be managed by using the right medications.