Hypokalemia in Children: Symptoms, Causes & What to Do

Potassium is an electrolyte that's vital to the function of the heart, muscles and nerves. Normal potassium levels are between. 3.5 and 5.0 milliequivalents per liter (mEq/L) of blood. Anything lower than 3.5 mEq/L can put individuals at risk for a potentially deadly condition called hypokalemia. Listed below are some symptoms of low potassium levels in children.

Causes

• Low potassium levels in children can be caused when too much potassium is released from the body through vomiting, excessive sweating and diarrhea. Not eating enough potassium-rich foods and diseases that affect the kidneys such as Cushing's syndrome can also cause low levels of potassium.

Diagnosis

• Low potassium levels in children can be diagnosed by taking a blood or urine sample.

Weakness and Dehydration

• Low potassium levels in children can cause weakness and fatigue, frequent urination, extreme thirst, and dehydration.

Muscle Cramps

• Children with low potassium levels may have difficulty moving due to severe cramping in the arm and leg muscles.

Irregular Heartbeat

• Low potassium levels in kids can cause mild to severe heartbeat irregularities. If the potassium levels in a child get too low, it can lead to cardiac arrest.

Treatment

• Treatments for low potassium levels include giving potassium intravenously in a hospital, eating plenty of foods that are rich in potassium such as bananas and spinach, and replacing lost electrolytes in the body. If children are experiencing severe vomiting and diarrhea, contact a doctor.