Does Potassium Level Drop If I Have Pneumonia ?

Posted on Thu, 4 Apr 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 4 Apr 2013 Answered on

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : Does your potassium level drop if you have pneumonia ?

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (42 minutes later)

Hi there, thanks for asking. That is a good question. One of common reasons for the drop in the potassium level is secretions of fluids from the body. It can occur by perspiration in pneumonia, or secretion of fluid from the lung, nose and other parts of respiratory system. Fortunately, its management is easy especially when the drop is mild (the potassium level is close to 3.5). It is enough to take some foods which have more potassium like banana, tomato, etc. There is no need to worry about it when its level is more than 3. Let me know if you have any other question. I wish you a good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Payman Hajiazim (7 minutes later)

Thank.... How about the platelet count? If that's low ? Same sign ?

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (42 minutes later)

Hi again. Most of the time, a brief change in platelet count can happen following infection and is of no clinical significance. If it is really low, it could be a sign if idiopathic trombocytopenic purpura which is a problem which often can happen several weeks after a pneumonia or other infections. And it is accompanied with small colorful spots on skin. Is it so for you?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Payman Hajiazim (3 minutes later)

I see. It's for my wife actually ..... Our family doctor told us to go to Emergency and after chest x XXXXXXX they said it was pneumonia and when we left they have us the blood work paper and I noticed those two were low so that's why I was asking ...
Are you Persian by the way ? Which country are you talking to me from ?

Answered by Dr. Payman Hajiazim (16 minutes later)

Hi again. It happens that in the routine blood test, platelet count is reported to be a little low. As you mentioned, I am a Persian physician. I am in Canada.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar