Low Serum Potassium Level and Its Effects on the Severity and the Rate of Hospitalization in Asthmatic Adults

Abstract

Bronchial asthma is a prevalent issue with significant medical and economic repercussions. Potassium (K) unbalance is associated with airway hyperreactivity, wheezing, and lung function impairment. Forty patients suffering from bronchial asthma, with regular follow-ups in an asthma clinic of the General Qurna Hospital, were investigated in this study. Each individual was questioned and evaluated clinically. Serum (K⁺) concentration and asthma severity were measured. The used drugs were documented. The total number of hospitalizations owing to asthma exacerbation was determined for the six months preceding the day of testing serum (K⁺) level. Nineteen patients (48%) had low K⁺ levels with a mean of 1.52 ±0.92 mmol L^-1, while 21 patients (52%) had normal K levels (4.3±0.21 mmol L^-1) (P<0.05). The study found that hypokalemia was common in younger patients (mean aged 22.5±1.3 years) Asthmatics females tend to have a significant of hypokalemia than males (58%) (P<0.05).