Electrolyte & Fluid Disorders
Precise clinical management of low sodium, high potassium, acid–base imbalances, and stubborn fluid retention (edema).
What It Is
Electrolytes are minerals in blood and tissue (sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, bicarbonate, and phosphate) that carry an electric charge and regulate nerve conduction, muscle contraction, and fluid balance. Because the kidneys are the master regulators of these minerals, electrolyte abnormalities often point directly to kidney dysfunction or medication interactions.
Why Your Doctor May Have Sent You
Routine blood panels reveal abnormal sodium (hyponatremia/hypernatremia), dangerous potassium fluctuations (hyperkalemia/hypokalemia), or persistent acid in the blood (metabolic acidosis).
How Our Specialists Help
Dr. Hozayen conducts an orderly diagnostic evaluation of volume status, hormonal regulation (ADH, aldosterone), and medication side effects. We carefully correct electrolyte imbalances, prevent dangerous cardiac arrhythmias, and utilize modern potassium binders (patiromer, sodium zirconium cyclosilicate) allowing you to stay safely on your heart and kidney medications.
Diagnostic Workup & Testing
We avoid redundant testing by reviewing recent records first, ordering only targeted diagnostic studies:
- Paired serum and urine electrolytes (sodium, potassium, creatinine)
- Serum and urine osmolality
- Fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) and potassium (FEK)
- Arterial or venous blood gas (evaluating systemic acid-base status)
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to monitor cardiac rhythm stability
Evidence-Based Treatment Pathways
Modern renal medicine focuses on preserving existing nephrons and preventing complications:
- Cautious, controlled sodium correction adhering to safe neurological thresholds
- Modern oral potassium binders allowing continued use of lifesaving ACEi/ARB therapy
- Oral sodium bicarbonate therapy for metabolic acidosis to slow CKD progression
- Combination loop and thiazide diuretic regimens for refractory peripheral edema
Common Symptoms to Monitor
- Confusion, unsteady balance, or severe headaches (low sodium / hyponatremia)
- Muscle weakness, palpitations, or numbness (potassium abnormalities)
- Significant swelling in feet, legs, or abdomen (fluid retention / edema)
- Chronic shortness of breath or unexplained nausea
When to See a Kidney Specialist
- Potassium level is repeatedly above 5.2 mEq/L or below 3.5 mEq/L
- Sodium level is persistently low (<135 mEq/L) without clear explanation
- Persistent swelling in legs that does not respond to standard water pills
- Serum bicarbonate level is lower than 22 mEq/L on routine blood work