Hypopp

Chest | Endocrinology and Metabolism | Hypopp (Disease)


Description

The periodic paralyses are inherited disorders of voluntary muscle, characterized by intermittent attacks of weakness, during which affected muscles become slack, weak, and unable to contract. Between attacks, however, the affected muscles usually work normally.

Causes and Risk factors

Hypopp represents a decrease in serum potassium (or potassium, that plasma potassium levels) below 3. 5 millimoles per liter. A hypokalemia is often the result of gastrointestinal potassium losses by prolonged diarrhea, repeated vomiting or laxative abuse irritating, but it can be caused by taking hypokalaemic diuretic, a hormonal disease (hyperaldosteronism, hypercorticism) an alkalosis (excessive alkalinity of body fluids).

A hypokalaemia occurs mainly by neuromuscular disorders ranging from weakness to paralysis, and, when significant, by abnormal heart rhythms, sometimes loss of consciousness, rarely by paralysis.

Diagnosis and Treatment

Treatment of the periodic paralyses focuses on preventing further attacks and relieving acute symptoms. Medications such as acetazolamide and dichlorophenamide may be beneficial in preventing attacks from occurring or in decreasing the frequency of the attacks.

Treatment is a diet rich in potassium (vegetables, fruits, meats) supplemented, tablets, even with the infusions, the potassium salts. ...