Types Of Electrolyte Disorders

Hypochloremia And Hyperchloremia

Hypochloremia and hyperchloremia are disorders where there are abnormal levels of the chloride ion in the blood. Hypochloremia is characterized by a blood chloride level of less than 97 mEq/L and a urine chloride level of less than 25 mEq/L. Chloride works in tandem with other electrolytes to balance fluid levels in the body as well as to manage the blood pH levels. Chloride can be lost through the urinary tract, gastrointestinal tract, or from cystic fibrosis. Usually, problems with the kidneys, congestive heart failure, certain medications, and use of chemotherapy treatment can cause low chloride levels. Untreated hypochloremia can cause permanent liver damage, pulmonary and hepatic failure, and kidney damage.

Hyperchloremia is characterized by higher than normal levels of the chloride ion in the blood. Anything above 107 mEg/L in the blood is indicative of hyperchloremia. This can be caused by problems with the kidneys, severe diarrhea, bromide poisoning, ingestion of salt water, ingestion of high quantities of salt, respiratory alkalosis, and long term use of carbonic anhydrase inhibitors to treat glaucoma and other conditions. Hyperchloremia causes blood acid levels to drop too low or the blood to become too acidic. This can result in kidney failure, kidney stones, bone problems, heart complications, muscle problems, coma, and death.

Continue for more information on the different types of electrolyte disorders.