Hyperchloremia (patient information)
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Hyperchloremia |
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Hyperchloremia On the Web |
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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Assistant Editor-In Chief: Dipen Kumar[2]
Overview
Hyperchloremia is a condition where the amount chloride ions (Cl-) in the body are too high. This condition can affect the transport of oxygen.
What are the symptoms of Hyperchloremia?
- Often, hypercloremia does not produce symptoms. However some symptoms can be:
- Excessive fluid loss (diarrhea, vomiting)
- Dyspnea (shortness of breath)
- Intense thirst
- Weakness
- Tachypnea (rapid breathing)
- Hypertension (high blood pressure)
- Pitting Edema (abnormal amount of fluid under the skin, causing swelling)
- Lowered cognitive ability
- Kussmaul's breathing (deep and rapid breathing)
- Possible coma
If the suffer is a diabetic, hyperchloremia can cause high levels of blood sugar.
What causes Hyperchloremia?
Hyperchloremia is caused by:
- Low Anion Gap (when the difference in positive and negative ions in the serum is low)
- Metabolic and Endocrine
- Diabetes insipidus or diabetic coma
- High sodium level in blood
- Hyperparathyroidism
- Metabolic Acidosis
- Type I and II Renal Tubular Acidosis
- Hypernatremia
- Gastorintestinal
- Dehydration
- Ileal loops
- Kidney diseases
- Loss of pancreatic secretion
- Prolonged Diarrhea
- Ureteral colonic anastomosis
- Vomiting
- Brain stem injury causing neurogenic hyperventilation
- Medications
- Androgens
- Corticosteroids
- Diuretics
- Estrogens
Who is at highest risk?
People who are at risk are people who have diabetes or kidney diseases.
Diagnosis
When to seek urgent medical care?
Treatment options
Where to find medical care for Hyperchloremia?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Hyperchloremia