Hipomagnesemia symptoms, causes and prevention

Hipomagnesemia (low magnesium levels in the blood) is a state where the concentration of magnesium in the blood of less than 1.6 mEq / L of blood.


CAUSE
Disease which occurs hipomagnesemia is complex and is usually the result of nutritional and metabolic disorders. The most common cause of hipomagnesemia is less intake, associated with hunger or abnormalities in the intestinal absorption and excessive spending by the kidneys.

Hipomagnesemia also common in people who consume alcohol in large quantities or are experiencing persistent diarrhea in a long time. Levels of aldosterone, antidiuretic hormone or thyroid hormone can cause hipomagnesemia high due to excessive removal by the kidneys. The use of diuretics, anti-fungal drug amphotericin B or anti-cancer drug cisplatin can also cause hipomagnesemia.


SYMPTOMS
Hipomagnesemia can cause:
- Loss of appetite,
- Nausea,
- Vomiting,
- Sleepy,
- Weakness,
- Changes in personality,
- Muscle spasms, and
- Shaking.

If hipomagnesemia coincided with hypocalcemia, hipomagnesemia circumstances must be treated first before treating hypocalcaemia.


Diagnosis
Diagnosis based on results of blood tests and symptoms.


TREATMENT
If symptoms develop or if the concentration of magnesium is very low (less than 1 mEq / L of blood), are given magnesium by mouth or by injection in the muscle (intramuscular) or vein (intravenously).