Potassium is a mineral used for a variety of functions in the body, such as the routine functions of your body's nerve and muscle cells. Your body is in constant need of potassium and regulates the potassium content of your blood by controlling the flow of potassium from your body's cells, where the mineral is stored. Children may develop certain complications or problems in association with potassium. These are not different from what an adult might experience, but they are potentially serious and require treatment.
High Potassium
High potassium levels in the bloodstream is known as hyperkalemia. Children tend to have a lower tolerance for high potassium levels than adults, with most children averaging between 3.4 and 4.7 mEq/L potassium in the blood. Mild cases of hyperkalemia may not be identified due to a lack of symptoms, but a rapid heartbeat sometimes accompanies the condition. The complications of hyperkalemia can lead to your child's heart stopping. Hyperkalemia can be caused by kidney failure, medications or potassium supplements, dehydration, some types of cancer therapies, drug use, or other conditions like Addison's Disease, according to Bay Area Medical Information.
Low Potassium
Low potassium levels, called hypokalemia, also poses a health risk to the body. Initially your child may only experience fatigue, muscle cramping or weakness, or constipation, but these symptoms worsen if the condition is not treated. A common reason potassium becomes abnormally low is due to the use of diuretics or a bout of diarrhea that dehydrates the body and drains it of minerals and electrolyes. Excessive sweating, laxatives, kidney failure and/or vomiting may also be causes.
Taking Supplements
Potassium gluconate is a type of potassium supplement that can be taken to boost low potassium levels. This is generally safe for use in children and should be taken with food, according to KidsHealth. For mild cases of low potassium, have your child eat potassium-rich foods like potatoes or bananas to bolster his potassium levels naturally.
Considerations
The only way to treat high potassium levels in children without taking them to the doctor is by restricting their intake of potassium and letting the body process the excess amounts of the mineral. If your child is showing symptoms of high potassium levels, though, you should contact the child's doctor and determine the best course of action. Also be aware that some children suffer from a potassium allergy -- if your child has an adverse reaction to potassium supplements or potassium-containing foods, call a doctor immediately.
