10 Potassium Deficiency Symptoms
Reviewed: Dr. Gromatzky
Symptom #10: Respiratory Depression
Respiratory depression is also known as hypoventilation, where there is a lack of adequate ventilation required for gas exchange in the lungs. Respiratory depression results in an increased concentration of carbon dioxide in the body, which is known as hypercapnia.
This results in respiratory acidosis. Respiratory depression can be caused by conditions such as a stroke affecting the brainstem, use of medication or drugs (such as opioids), chronic mountain sickness, hypokalemia, and more.
Advertisement
