Common Symptoms Of Gitelman Syndrome

Salt Cravings

An individual who has salt cravings may be affected by Gitelman syndrome. The kidneys contain small structures called nephrons, which are responsible for filtering blood. Over 180 liters pass through the nephrons every day, and most contents are reabsorbed and sent back into blood circulation. Concentration gradients determine the passive reabsorption and secretion of most contents, but water and specific solutes are tightly managed through complex mechanisms. A critical component of one of these mechanisms is the human sodium chloride cotransporters in certain parts of the distal convoluted tubule.

Gitelman syndrome is caused by a genetic mutation that alters the encoded instructions for how to produce human sodium chloride transporters. These transporters are unable to work properly, causing the patient to be unable to reabsorb sodium before it is excreted through urine. Sodium pulls an increased volume of fluid into the urine with it, causing the affected individual to excrete more fluid than normal. This malfunction results in dehydration, which prompts the brain to induce salt cravings in an attempt to increase fluid intake and retention.

Continue reading to learn more about the common symptoms linked to Gitelman syndrome now.