Treatment of high chloride in the blood
What does it mean if my chloride is high?
An increased level of blood chloride (called hyperchloremia) usually indicates dehydration, but can also occur with other problems that cause high blood sodium, such as Cushing syndrome or kidney disease.
Treatment of high chloride in the blood
In most cases, diagnosing high blood chloride requires additional testing to find the cause. Treatment options include:
1. Treatment of high blood chloride in adults
They include:
- Drink enough water on a daily basis or give fluids intravenously.
- Medications that cause high chloride in the blood should be cut off or replaced by a doctor.
- If you have received too much normal saline, the solution will be stopped until you recover.
- You’ll likely be referred to a nephrologist and may need dialysis to filter the blood instead of the kidneys if your condition is severe.
- Treat dehydration by replacing lost fluids.
- Eat a balanced diet.
- Controlling blood sugar levels in diabetics, as high sugar levels cause an imbalance of elements in the blood.
- Treating the medical condition causing high chloride, if any, such as: cirrhosis of the liver, and problems with the endocrine glands.
- In case of hyperchloremic metabolic acidosis, it is treated with sodium bicarbonate.
2. Treatment of high chloride in the blood of newborns
Newborns may have high chloride levels, without any health problems, and this is normal and does not require treatment.
Diagnosis of high chloride in the blood
Hyperchloremia is usually diagnosed by measuring its levels in the blood.
A blood sample is taken and then levels of chloride and other elements are measured, including: carbon dioxide or bicarbonate, potassium, and sodium.
Normal levels of chloride for adults range from 98-107 mEq/L. Your doctor may order chloride levels in your urine and may measure blood sugar levels to see if you have diabetes.
Complications of not treating high chloride in the blood
It is important to work to correct chloride levels in the blood quickly, as this can be dangerous and can cause hyperacidosis and the following:
- Kidney stones .
- Great problems.
- Renal failure.
- heart problems
- muscle problems
- coma.
- sudden death.
How to prevent high chloride in the blood
It may be difficult to prevent high chloride in the blood, especially when it is caused by a medical condition, such as: Addison’s disease, but there are ways that may reduce the risk of infection if you are at risk of developing high chloride in the blood, and they are as follows:
- Make sure to drink enough water on a daily basis.
- Avoid excessive consumption of table salt.
- Follow a balanced diet .
- Do not take aspirin without consulting your doctor.
- Make sure you take your medications on time if you have diabetes.
- Avoid drinking coffee and caffeinated drinks.
