A study of electrolyte disturbances in patients with chronic stable asthma and with asthma attacks

Study ObjectiveTo detect electrolyte disturbances in patients with chronic stable asthma and patients with asthma exacerbation and to assess the relation between serums electrolyte levels and pulmonary function parameters and therapeutic agents.DesignProspective, hospital-based, cross-sectional study.SettingOutpatient chest clinic and in-patient chest department; Alminya university hospitals Alminya-Egypt.PatientsOne hundred asthmatic patients.Study methodsPatients were divided into two groups: group I that included 50 patients presented with chronic stable asthma and group II that included 50 consecutive patients presented with acute severe asthma. Data collected included sex, age, residence, medication used, clinical examination, serum level of electrolytes (Na, K, Ca, Mg), and chest X ray, Spirometer was used to assess pulmonary function according to ATS/ERS standards.ConclusionHypomagnesemia and hypocalcemia were found to be the two most common electrolyte disturbances in patients with chronic stable asthma and also in those with acute asthma exacerbation. Therapeutic agents used to treat patients with chronic asthma have a role on abnormal electrolyte levels.