Question

Define water and electrolyte imbalance

Answer 1

Electrolyte imbalance or water-electrolyte imbalance is an abnormality in the concentration ofelectrolytes in the body. Electrolytesplay a vital role in maintaining homeostasis within the body.The most serious electrolyte disturbancesinvolve abnormalities in the levels of sodium, potassium or calcium.

Answer 2

Any change or alteration in the concentration of fluids in our body resulting from any disorders, and affects the homeostasis of our body is known as water and electrolyte imbalance.

It occurs when the water intake and water loss from the body are not equal,thereby disrupting the fluid balance of our body.

Water-Electrolyte imbalance can be of two types:

1. Water and salt imbalance- This can be categorised as:

Primary excess of sodium, Primary loss of sodium, primary excess of saline, primary loss of water and primary retention of water.

2. Potassium imbalance- The concentrations of sodium and potassium are interrelated. For example: Potassium lost can be replenished to some extent by sodium.