low potassium on blood test. I've had diarreah(diarrhea) for a week, cause?

I'm at my wits end! I had an anxiety /panic attack about one and a half weeks ago. I visited the ER , where they just told me to visit my doctor for tests. The next day I had some diarreah (diarrhea),So, i went to the doctor, and they did three blood tests just to put me at ease. (CBC, Thyroid, and a Comprehensive). They told me it would be about one week for the results. The entire past week I have not had as many panic attacks, but I have had diarreah (diarrhea) every single day and I feel faint. I contacted my physician's office today for the results and they said everything came back fine, except that my Potassium level was low at 3.5 . I told them that I have experienced diarreah (diarrhea) the past week so they told me to go on the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce) and drink lots of gatorade to restore my potassium. if I do not feel better in 24 hours they told me to go to the ER for an IV of potassium. UGH. I started the BRAT diet 5 hours ago and still have had diarreah (diarrhea) 3 times. I do feel less faint though. I'm really uncertain as to why, all of a sudden, i have diarreah (diarrhea) (never had a problem with this in the past few years or months) and why it is not going away even though I don't feel as anxious. Should I look into this further? Get more tests done? could this be an underlying medical condition that no one is thinking about? Could my potassium level plummet from 3.5 to a very dangerous level in just a week time from diarreah (diarrhea)? help!! thanks,
Jennifer

[Kevin Pho, MD]

With diarrhea lasting that long, I would consider having a stool sample sent for culture and evaluation for Giardia, ova and parasites.  If any one of these organisms are growing, then appropriate medication should be prescribed.  I would also consider obtaining a blood test to evaluate the white blood cell count, which can be elevated in times of infection.

A potassium of 3.5 is borderline low, and may be caused by poor oral intake.  I would follow this up with your personal physician, since a significantly low potassium can have some serious complications (i.e. effects on the heart rhythm).  

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
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