Uncommon Infant and Newborn Problems – Fluid and Electrolyte Balance

Electrolytes are minerals in your body that have an electric charge. They are in your blood, urine, tissues, and other body fluids. Electrolytes are important because they help

Balance the amount of water in your body
Balance your body’s acid/base (pH) level
Move nutrients into your cells
Move wastes out of your cells
Make sure that your nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain work the way they should

Sodium, calcium, potassium, chlorine, phosphate, and magnesium are all electrolytes. You get them from the foods you eat and the fluids you drink.

The levels of electrolytes in your body can become too low or too high. This can happen when the amount of water in your body changes. The amount of water that you take in should equal the amount you lose. If something upsets this balance, you may have too little water (dehydration) or too much water (overhydration). Some medicines, vomiting, diarrhea, sweating, and liver or kidney problems can all upset your water balance.

Treatment helps you to manage the imbalance. It also involves identifying and treating what caused the imbalance.

Aldosterone blood test (Medical Encyclopedia)
Antidiuretic hormone blood test (Medical Encyclopedia)
Basic metabolic panel (Medical Encyclopedia)
Electrolytes (Medical Encyclopedia)
Fluid imbalance (Medical Encyclopedia)
Hypomagnesemia (Medical Encyclopedia)
Osmolality – blood (Medical Encyclopedia)
Urine specific gravity test (Medical Encyclopedia)

It can be scary when your baby is sick, especially when it is not an everyday problem like a cold or a fever. You may not know whether the problem is serious or how to treat it. If you have concerns about your baby’s health, call your health care provider right away.

Learning information about your baby’s condition can help ease your worry. Do not be afraid to ask questions about your baby’s care. By working together with your health care provider, you make sure that your baby gets the best care possible.