What Are the Symptoms of Low Potassium Levels in Children?

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.