Do you sometimes feel very tired and lethargic? Maybe your doctor said that your blood test showed low chloride levels? Many people get a little scared when they hear the word 'hypochloremia'. But what is it really? Is it something to be afraid of? Okay, let's talk about this clearly and simply today.
First, let's see, what is this chloride?
Simply put, chloride is an essential element in our bodies. To be precise, it is a type of electrolyte . Electrolytes are minerals found in our blood that are essential for the body to function. Think of it like a car battery needs water, and these electrolytes are essential for our body's organs to function properly.
Chloride performs several key functions in our bodies:
- Makes muscles function properly.
- Helps to transmit messages in the nervous system properly.
- The acid-base balance (pH balance) of our blood is maintained properly.
- Helps maintain fluid balance in the body.
We get most of this chloride from the salt we use for food, that is, from sodium chloride .
What are the symptoms of Hypochloremia?
The surprising thing here is that in most cases, low chloride levels do not cause any specific symptoms . However, the symptoms may be caused by the underlying medical condition that caused the condition. This means that low chloride is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of another disease.
These are common symptoms that can occur due to an electrolyte imbalance:
- Fever
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion
- Body swelling
Importantly, this condition of low chloride is often seen together with a condition called hyponatremia , which is a decrease in sodium in the blood.
Why does chloride in our body decrease? What are the reasons?
Since we get chloride from the food we eat, this condition is very rare due to insufficient food intake. In a healthy person, the main organ that controls chloride levels is the kidneys . So if there is a problem with the kidneys, there is a high chance that these chloride levels will change.
The table below lists some of the main reasons for low chloride levels.
| Cause | Simple Explanation |
|---|---|
| Persistent vomiting and diarrhea | Excessive fluid and salt loss from the body. |
| Excessive sweating | The release of salts from the body with sweat. |
| Kidney diseases | Impaired function of the kidneys, the main organ that controls chloride. |
| Some medical conditions | For example: conditions such as chronic respiratory acidosis, SIADH, and metabolic alkalosis. |
| Some medications | Especially medications such as diuretics, corticosteroids, laxatives , and bicarbonates. |
| Treatment for cancer | Treatments such as chemotherapy can affect the kidneys and cause electrolyte imbalances. |
How does a doctor diagnose this condition?
Your doctor will usually diagnose this with a blood test called an 'electrolyte panel' . This is a very simple blood test. It can check not only chloride, but also other important electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and bicarbonate at once. That's why this is a very important test. Sometimes your doctor may also recommend checking your urine chloride levels.
What should normal chloride values be like?
The normal ranges for chloride vary slightly depending on age.
| Age Group | Normal range of chloride in blood (mEq/L) |
|---|---|
| Adults | 98 - 106 |
| Children | 90 - 110 |
| Newborns | 96 - 106 |
| Premature infants | 95 - 110 |
Remember, just because your report is slightly out of range doesn't always mean it's a serious illness. Sometimes, even if you've been vomiting and lost a little water, this value can change. So, be sure to get the report and talk to your doctor about it.
How is it treated?
The treatment for this depends entirely on the underlying cause of your low chloride levels. Your doctor will try to normalize your chloride levels while treating that cause.
- Often, saline solution is given through a vein (IV) to quickly restore the body's salt levels.
- If the condition is not that serious, the doctor will advise you to eat foods rich in chloride.
- But, remember this: Never take vitamins or supplements without consulting a doctor.
Is it good to eat too much salt?
Since chloride comes from salt, it may seem like eating more salt is good for you. However, eating too much salt can cause a number of other health problems.
- Kidney disease
- Stroke
- High blood pressure
- Heart attack
- Stomach cancer
- Osteoporosis
Therefore, keeping everything in balance is the most important thing.
Take-Home Message
- Hypochloremia is a low level of chloride in the blood. It usually occurs as a symptom of another medical condition.
- Vomiting, diarrhea, excessive sweating, kidney disease, and some medications can cause this.
- This condition is diagnosed with a simple blood test called an 'electrolyte panel'.
- If your blood test shows low chloride levels, don't panic and definitely talk to your doctor about it. He or she will decide on the treatment.
- Do not use any vitamin or mineral supplements without a doctor's advice.
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