Hyperchloremia is a condition where chloride levels in the blood are too high, which can lead to health problems. Dehydration, kidney and parathyroid disease, and diabetes can cause hyperchloremia. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause and stabilizing electrolyte balance. Staying hydrated can help prevent hyperchloremia.
Hyperchloremia is an unusually high level of chloride in the blood. Chloride is an essential electrolyte that regulates certain metabolic processes. When levels are high, it can interfere with blood sugar levels, as well as oxygen transport, leading to health problems for the patient. Symptoms usually aren’t noticed until the chloride level rises much, and some people are more vulnerable to increased chloride levels than others.
This anion is normally present in blood in concentrations of approximately 97-107 milliequivalents per liter of blood. Levels can get high in dehydrated people because the body doesn’t get enough water for the kidneys to balance electrolytes properly. Kidney and parathyroid disease can lead to imbalances in electrolyte levels, including hyperchloremia, and people with diabetes are also at risk. For people with known risks, a doctor may recommend close monitoring of electrolyte levels.
People with hyperchloremia often develop dehydration and may lose fluids through vomiting and diarrhea. Their blood sodium level will be high and diabetic patients may have high blood sugar levels. When a patient is diagnosed, the first step is to determine why chloride levels are so high. If dehydration is the cause, the patient may be given fluids to rehydrate and stabilize electrolyte balance. The cause of dehydration also needs to be explored and addressed.
If an underlying disease process leads to hyperchloremia, the disease should be treated. Treating the condition should return chloride levels to normal. The patient may be monitored during treatment and tested at follow-up visits to confirm that the electrolyte balance is stable. These tests may include tests that confirm that the cause of the hyperchloremia is well under control, such as in patients with chronic kidney disease who are routinely tested for signs of changes in their status.
People can reduce the risk of hyperchloremia and other electrolyte imbalances by staying adequately hydrated, especially in hot weather and while exercising. Drinking water and other liquids help people retain moisture, and electrolyte replacements can be used for people who lose a lot of fluids, to avoid introducing pure water into the body and causing a drop in electrolyte levels. People at risk for hyperchloremia, including people with diabetes and kidney disease, should be on the lookout for signs of medical complications that may indicate that their current approach to treating and managing their condition isn’t working.
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