High Potassium Levels... Help!

[Wonderous]

Hi. I'm looking for someone to give me a little advice after my recent blood test please.

Back story is that I have had pneumonia for the last three weeks and am thankfully now feeling much better after my third lot of antibiotics and s course of steroids. As a result of the infection my GP did a full blood screen to check there were no underlying infections and this has shown up a potassium level of 5.6 which apparently is high (top of normal scale is 5.1 apparently).

I have been back for a repeat blood sale today but am more than a little worried as bloody Dr Google keeps telling me that it's a big indication for kidney disease.

Had anyone had raised potassium levels or can stop me stressing out please.

For info I'm 40 and generally fairly healthy although just waiting for a laparoscopy and endometrial ablation due to painful periods. Thanks

[jimijack]

Prob due to dehydration.
Have you been drinking less while being ill? It will soon sort itself out now you are better.

It's not a number I would worry about tbh. I've seen higher.

[Annietheacrobat]

Relax and don't worry. The same set of blood tests would have revealed if there was anything seriously wrong with your kidneys.

Are you on any other medications?

I expect your repeat bloods will show that it has normalised but even if not 5.6 really isn't that high and definitely not what I would consider a worrying level.