Electrolyte Disorders
Conditions We Treat
Electrolyte Disorders
Sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and acid-base imbalances are often the first sign of kidney dysfunction — or a complication of treatment. We identify the cause and correct it.
What are electrolyte disorders?
Electrolytes are minerals in the blood and body fluids that carry an electric charge — sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. The kidneys are the primary regulators of electrolyte balance. When kidney function is impaired, electrolyte levels can become dangerously abnormal.
Common electrolyte disorders in nephrology include hyponatremia (low sodium), hyperkalemia (high potassium), hypocalcemia (low calcium), hyperphosphatemia (high phosphorus), and metabolic acidosis (low bicarbonate). Each carries specific risks: hyperkalemia can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias; hyponatremia can cause seizures and brain damage; metabolic acidosis accelerates bone loss and muscle wasting.
Electrolyte disorders are often a window into a larger problem — CKD, adrenal disease, medication toxicity, or a systemic illness. Treating the electrolyte abnormality without identifying its cause is incomplete medicine.
Common Disorders
How we approach electrolyte disorders
Identify the underlying cause
Electrolyte disorders are symptoms of an underlying problem — CKD, adrenal disease, medication toxicity, or systemic illness. We treat the cause, not just the number.
Hyperkalemia management
Elevated potassium is common in CKD and can be life-threatening. We use dietary counseling, potassium binders (patiromer, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate), and medication adjustment to keep levels safe.
Hyponatremia evaluation
Low sodium has many causes — SIADH, heart failure, cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, medications. Correction must be gradual to avoid osmotic demyelination syndrome. We manage this carefully.
CKD mineral bone disease
Calcium, phosphorus, PTH, and vitamin D dysregulation in CKD causes bone disease and vascular calcification. We monitor and treat this systematically.
Frequently asked questions
What are electrolytes and why do they matter?
Electrolytes are minerals — sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, chloride, bicarbonate — that carry an electric charge and regulate fluid balance, nerve function, muscle contraction, and pH. The kidneys maintain their precise balance; when kidneys fail, electrolytes become dysregulated.
Why is high potassium dangerous?
Hyperkalemia (high potassium) can cause fatal cardiac arrhythmias. It is one of the most dangerous complications of kidney disease and requires prompt treatment. Patients with CKD should have their potassium monitored regularly and follow dietary restrictions.
What causes low sodium?
Hyponatremia (low sodium) has many causes: SIADH (inappropriate ADH secretion), heart failure, cirrhosis, hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, and certain medications. The cause determines the treatment — which is why a nephrologist must evaluate it.
Can electrolyte disorders be managed long-term?
Yes. With the right combination of dietary modification, medications, and monitoring, most electrolyte disorders in CKD can be managed safely for years. The key is regular monitoring and proactive adjustment.
Related conditions
Electrolyte disorders require nephrology expertise.
Our nephrologists manage complex electrolyte disorders in the context of kidney disease. Accepting new patients in Newport Beach.