Potomania

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
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Potomania
Beer consumption by country
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Hyponatremia, confusion, seizures, coma
Complications	Cerebral edema, brain herniation
Onset	After excessive beer consumption
Duration	Variable, depending on treatment
Types	N/A
Causes	Excessive consumption of beer with low sodium content
Risks	Alcohol use disorder, malnutrition
Diagnosis	Blood test showing low sodium levels
Differential diagnosis	SIADH, psychogenic polydipsia, diuretic use
Prevention	Moderation in alcohol consumption
Treatment	Fluid restriction, sodium replacement
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Good with treatment, but can be severe if untreated
Frequency	Rare
Deaths	N/A

Potomania is a medical condition that occurs due to a severe imbalance of electrolytes in the body, specifically a deficiency of sodium and potassium. This condition is often associated with chronic alcoholism, and is characterized by symptoms such as tremors, confusion, and weakness.

Causes

Potomania is primarily caused by a diet that is extremely low in protein and high in carbohydrates, particularly from alcohol. The excessive consumption of alcohol can lead to a decrease in the intake of other essential nutrients, leading to an imbalance in the body's electrolyte levels.

Symptoms

The symptoms of potomania can vary depending on the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

• Tremors
• Confusion
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting

In severe cases, potomania can lead to seizures, coma, and even death.

Diagnosis

Potomania is diagnosed through a series of blood tests that measure the levels of electrolytes in the body. A low level of sodium and potassium in the blood is a clear indication of this condition.

Treatment

The treatment for potomania involves correcting the electrolyte imbalance through the administration of intravenous fluids containing sodium and potassium. In addition, the underlying cause of the condition, such as alcoholism, must also be addressed.

See Also

• Alcoholism
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Hyponatremia
• Hypokalemia