Health Dictionary
Reliable, easy-to-read patient information on common medical conditions — written in plain language, free of jargon, and grounded in current evidence. Browse the most frequent diagnoses, understand what they mean for everyday life, and learn which steps and questions help you have a focused conversation with your doctor.
Hyperchloremia overview
Introduction
Overview
Overview
Hyperchloremia is an electrolyte disturbance in which there is an abnormally elevated level of the chloride ion in the blood. The normal serum range for chloride is 97 to 107 mEq/L. Hyperchloremia is defined as a chloride concentration exceeding this level.
Causes
Causes
Elevations in chloride may be associated with diarrhea, certain kidney diseases, and overactivity of the parathyroid glands. Hyperchloremia is often comorbid with diabetes or hyponatremia. Certain drugs, especially diuretics such as carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, hormonal treatments, and polypharmacy, may contribute to this disorder.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis
History and Symptoms
Often hyperchloremia does not produce any symptoms. However, hyperchloremia is sometimes associated with excess fluid loss such as vomiting and diarrhea. If the sufferer is a diabetic, hyperchloremia may lead to poor control of blood sugar levels, causing them to become elevated. Hyperchloremia can be symptomatic with signs of Kussmaul breathing, weakness, and intense thirst.
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]