Hypokalemia is a medical condition that refers to low potassium levels in the blood. Potassium is a vital mineral that plays a significant role in various bodily functions, such as muscle and nerve function, fluid balance, and heart health. When the potassium levels in the blood are lower than usual, it can cause various symptoms and complications. This article will explore hypokalemia ICD 10 in detail, including its symptoms, causes, and treatment options.
What is Hypokalemia ICD 10?
Hypokalemia is a medical condition that refers to low potassium levels in the blood. According to the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision (ICD 10), the code for hypokalemia is E87.6. Potassium is an essential mineral required to function properly in the body’s cells, tissues, and organs. Hypokalemia can cause a range of symptoms and complications, depending on the severity of the condition.
Symptoms of Hypokalemia
The symptoms of hypokalemia can vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the condition. Some common symptoms of hypokalemia include:
- Muscle weakness
- Fatigue
- Constipation
- Abdominal cramping
- Irregular heartbeat
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness or paralysis
- Respiratory failure
Causes of Hypokalemia
There are various causes of hypokalemia ICD 10, including:
- Medications: Certain medications, such as diuretics, laxatives, and corticosteroids, can cause potassium loss and lead to hypokalemia ICD 10.
- Kidney disease: Chronic kidney disease can affect the body’s ability to regulate potassium levels, leading to hypokalemia .
- Malnutrition: A diet low in potassium can lead to hypokalemia.
- Alcoholism: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to hypokalemia due to increased potassium loss in the urine.
- Other medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as hyperaldosteronism, Cushing’s syndrome, and Bartter’s syndrome, can cause hypokalemia.
Treatment for Hypokalemia
The treatment for hypokalemia depends on the severity of the condition and the underlying cause. Some standard treatment options for hypokalemia include:
- Potassium supplements: Potassium supplements can help increase potassium levels in the blood.
- Intravenous potassium: In severe cases, intravenous potassium may be required to raise potassium levels quickly.
- Medication adjustments: If medications cause hypokalemia , adjusting or stopping the medication may help.
- Treating underlying medical conditions: The underlying medical conditions causing hypokalemia can help manage the condition.
Hypokalemia ICD 10 Codes:
The following is a list of hypokalemia ICD 10 codes and their corresponding meanings:
- E87.6 – Hypokalemia: This code is used to document cases of hypokalemia.
- E87.62 – Hypokalemic syndrome: This code is used to document cases of hypokalemia with metabolic alkalosis.
- E87.69 – Other hypokalemia: This code is used to document cases of hypokalemia that do not fit into any other category.
Adjacent icd 10 code for hypokalemia
E87.0 – Hyperosmolality and hypernatremia
E87.1- Hypo-osmolality and hyponatremia
E87.2 – Acidosis
E87.20- unspecified
E87.21- Acute metabolic acidosis
E87.22 – Chronic metabolic acidosis
E87.29- Other acidosis
E87.3 -Alkalosis
E87.4- Mixed disorder of acid-base balance
E87.5- Hyperkalemia
E87.6 Hypokalemia
E87.7- Fluid overload
E87.70- Unspecified
E87.71 -Transfusion associated circulatory overload
E87.79 – Other fluid overload
E87.8 – Other disorders of electrolyte and fluid balance, not elsewhere classified
E88- Other and unspecified metabolic disorders
E88.0 – Disorders of plasma-protein metabolism, not elsewhere classified
E88.01 – Alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency
E88.02 – Plasminogen deficiency
E88.09 – Other disorders of plasma-protein metabolism, not elsewhere classified
Hypokalemia is typically diagnosed through a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and blood tests. Healthcare providers may also perform an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for abnormal heart rhythms.