Low potassium in 8 year old? cause for panic?/?

Question

My daughter had to severe asthma attacks last week both of which sent her to the emergency room they gave her the usual steriods, albuterol, and took x rays and bloodwork. the second time they said her potassium was low does anyone know what cuaused this? Is it the asthma she is also taking Singular everyday and dytan They have her taking 7.5 cc of potassium a day now

Answer 1

Low K is most likely due to beta agonist bronchodilator use e.g Albuterol or Xopenex . The hypok that is seen with bronchodilator use is usually never less than 3.0 and responds to oral K supplements. Your babys K levels can be checked in between asthma attacks when she is not using her pumps to make sure it is not persistent.

A banana a day can also correct the mild hypokalemia .

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

Low Potassium called hypokalemia can be very dangerous to anyone if left untreated due to the fact that potassium has a great role in functions of nerve and muscles cells most highlighted is the heart muscles. It is very essential in heart contraction so decrease in its level will cause slowing down of heart activities which could be a potentially fatal condition that could even lead to death when the level gets to a dangerously low level.
Causes could be: a.) less dietary intake,b.) side effects of some medications as diuretics (in your child's case might be due to steroids and albuterol), c.)associated with other diseases or malfunctions, d.) high caffeine intake.
If it is severe then intravenous potassium are given but if is mild usually oral supplements are given. Dietary supplements are also emphasized- tomatoes,bananas and oranges are good sources of potassium.
Your child is given treatment so don't worry for now.

Answer 4

There is some mention of asthma and allergies in the diet books that approach diet by way of reducing insulin production, as insulin production has an effect on the production of a lot of other chemicals and hormones, including histamines and anti-histamines. I am a diabetic, under control with diet, and am taking a potassium supplement, too. Ask your doctor to order a fasting insulin blood test . Ask for a copy of the results. 10 or higher is abnormal for an adult.

My skinny sister was asthmatic as a child. We both inherited low blood sugar from our hypoglycemic father. I don't know if she takes a potassium supplement or not, though.

You may want to check out the library link at www.hufa.org for more info on diets that control blood sugar which is how you control insulin production.

Answer 5

The low potassium levels (also known as "hypokalemia") may be due to the medications. Albuterol can lower potassium, and has actually been used to correct high potassium levels.

The low potassium is not a cause for panic, as long as they are keeping an eye on her potassium levels and giving her potassium. Just be sure to give your daughter her medications as directed.

Iif your doctor has suggested giving her more potassium-rich foods, here's an article on which foods are good sources:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002413.htm

However, check with your doctor before making any dietary adjustments. Too much potassium (hyperkalemia) can be fatal.

Answer 6

all the other answers are right. banana is good. whats her ecg like ??? if normal not to worry ! if there are changes in t waves then ... u might need to worry. monitor potassium levels frequently

Answer 7

you need to ask the doctor who did the blood work for your daughter.