The renal system, meaning kidneys, play a vital role in the regulation of
electrolytes, and when they malfunction in Kidney Failure, it often results in
an electrolyte imbalance. Puking (vomiting, emesis, throwing up) is a common
cause of electrolytic imbalances.
Electrolyte imbalance and Renal Failure
Electrolytes are minerals, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium,
in the blood and body fluids. They have an electric charge, and there must be a
balance between the electrolytes with positive charges and those with negative
charges. All must stay within a certain range.
Kidney Failure can be either acute or chronic. Acute renal failure has a
sudden onset, usually hours to days. If the underlying cause is corrected,
kidney function returns. While, chronic kidney failure involves progressive and
irreversible loss of kidney function. The kidneys play an important role in the
regulation of electrolytes. Kidney Failure often leads to imbalances, and this
lead to serious complications and even death.
As a result of kidney disease, the following imbalances are often seen:
potassium levels rise, calcium levels drop, and phosphorus levels rise.
Puking and electrolyte imbalance in Kidney Failure
Puking may occur with other symptoms such as abdominal pain, nausea,
diarrhea, poor appetite, dizziness, fatigue, fever and chills, etc. Causes of
puking in Kidney Failure include:
High potassium, or hyperkalemia, can manifest itself as nausea and vomiting,
joint pain, cloudy urine, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat., etc.
Low sodium, or hyponatremia, may lead to symptoms including nausea, puking,
muscle cramps, weakness, irritability, irregular heartbeat, abnormal blood
pressure, low urine output and so forth.
Calcium excess, or hypercalcemia, causes puking, nausea, muscle weakness,
numbness and tingling in extremities, decreased appetite, mental confusion,
etc.
Treatment for puking in Kidney Failure
Fixing the underlying problem is the primary goal, which is the Kidney
Failure. Once the underlying cause of the renal failure is treated, further
management of the electrolyte imbalances including diet modifications, and
electrolyte supplement is necessary.