8. Breathing Difficulties: The Struggle for Every Breath
Hypokalemia can also lead to breathing difficulties due to its impact on the muscles involved in respiration. Low potassium levels can cause weakness in the diaphragm and chest muscles, making it harder to inhale and exhale effectively. (8)
This may result in shortness of breath, rapid breathing, or difficulty catching one’s breath, particularly during physical activity. It is crucial to address the underlying hypokalemia to improve respiratory function and prevent potential complications related to impaired breathing.