Man hospitalized with severe muscle damage due to electrolyte loss from excessive sweating

A man in Taiwan nearly lost his life after working in sweltering conditions without replenishing essential electrolytes, leading to severe muscle breakdown and weakness. The 48-year-old, identified by the surname Liu, worked daily in a hot, non-air-conditioned metal workshop, causing him to sweat profusely.

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low blood potassium concentration was only 1.5mmol/L, far below the normal value of 3.5 to 5.5mmol/L, which is extremely severe hypokalemia.

Liu initially sought treatment at a clinic for upper limb weakness, but his condition worsened over six days. He then experienced debilitating weakness in both his lower limbs, rendering him unable to stand. He was rushed to the emergency room, where tests revealed his blood potassium levels were critically low at 1.5 mmol/L, far below the normal range of 3.5 to 5.5 mmol/L.

Doctors diagnosed Liu with severe hypokalemia (low potassium) complicated by rhabdomyolysis, a condition where damaged muscle tissue releases its proteins and electrolytes into the blood. His creatine kinase levels were alarmingly high at 22,702 U/L, indicating extensive muscle damage. The condition could have led to fatal consequences, including cardiac arrhythmias, hypotension, respiratory failure, and altered consciousness.

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not only cause acute muscle weakness, limb paralysis, and reduced reflexes, but may also lead to fatal symptoms such as arrhythmia, hypotension, respiratory failure, and altered consciousness.

Physicians attributed Liu's condition to his prolonged exposure to heat and subsequent loss of vital electrolytes, including potassium and sodium, through sweat. Despite significant fluid loss, he only consumed plain water, failing to replace the crucial minerals. Doctors administered high-dose potassium supplements, successfully stabilizing his condition and pulling him back from the brink of a life-threatening crisis.

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muscle damage has been extensive

Health authorities are reminding individuals working in hot environments or engaging in high-intensity exercise to not only stay hydrated but also to consume electrolyte-rich beverages like sports drinks, coconut water, or milk. Additionally, incorporating potassium-rich foods such as bananas, kiwis, papayas, tomatoes, avocados, spinach, and sweet potatoes into the daily diet is recommended to maintain electrolyte balance and prevent similar incidents.

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he only drank plain water, without replenishing electrolytes, leading to severe hypokalemia.