Theophyllin and Potassium levels

bluebanana · 11-16-2003, 11:29 AM

Hello
I'm on theophyllin (again) after a really bad episode of asthma, and i was wondering what the symptoms of pottassium deficiency are? I'm a severe/brittle asthmatic, and recently since upping the doses of all my meds have started getting really bad cramps in my feet and calves and chest (just what you need when your peak flow is less than 200)!! It's making life difficult at the mo as i'm struggling to do anything and when it's difficult enough to walk any distance without getting out of breath having to hobble is even harder!
Anyone else had these symptoms, or is it completely unrelated? Any ideas what i can do to prevent it? I would take a pottasium supplement but i don't want to take more tablets! I rattle enough as it is!
Help

xx

hotchic85 · 11-16-2003, 02:30 PM

Eat LOTS of bananas!!! Other foods that are rich in potassium are whole grain, milk, avacados, citrus fruits, nuts, and milk. I hope that you get feeling better soon! I do understand the severe asthma part, but theophylline, for me, was a horrible drug...

bluebanana · 11-17-2003, 10:57 AM

Hi

Will try the bananas, but allergic to everything else on the list!!!
Thanks.
x x x x

wrin · 11-17-2003, 11:29 AM

Be careful about overloading on potassium, because too much potassium is a bigger danger than too little.

Heart changes will be noticed first, stuff like palpitations and skipped beats. Cramps would be a side-effect of theophylline but more so if you're on too much of it. Cramps would be more indicative of a calcium deficiency. Have you had your theo levels checked lately? Does it help you that much at all?

hotchic85 · 11-17-2003, 11:57 AM

I, too, am questioning the necessity of theophylline for ya'. Does it really help?? I hate that drug, but more power to ya' if it helps you.