Your child has been diagnosed with hyperkalemia. This means your child has a high level of potassium in their blood. Potassium helps with the function of nerve and muscle cells, including those in the heart. A high level of potassium in the blood can cause abnormal heart rhythms and inability to breathe. It can even cause the heart to stop beating. Here's what you need to know about home care.
Diet changes
Your child should eat less potassium-rich foods, including:
-
Bananas (your child should never eat bananas).
-
Apricots.
-
Oranges and orange juice.
-
Mangos.
-
Kiwis.
-
Raisins.
-
Dates.
-
Prunes.
-
Dried fruit.
-
Tomatoes.
-
Spinach.
-
Melons.
-
Chocolate.
-
Peanut butter.
-
Dry beans and peas.
-
Potatoes and french fries.
-
Sweet potatoes.
-
Avocados.
-
Milk.
-
Yogurt.
Other home care
-
Tell the doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines your child is taking. Several medicines can increase potassium levels.
-
Be sure to give your child all medicines exactly as directed by their doctor.
-
Learn to take your child’s pulse. If your child’s pulse is less than 60 beats per minute or irregular, call your child’s doctor. If your child is an infant, report any pulse less than 80 beats per minute.
Follow-up
-
Follow up with your child's doctor as advised.
-
Have your child’s potassium levels checked regularly.
-
Keep all follow-up appointments. Your child’s doctor needs to watch your child’s condition closely.
When to contact your child's doctor
Contact your child's doctor right away if your child has:
-
Fatigue.
-
Shortness of breath.
-
Chest pain.
-
Slow, irregular heartbeat.
-
Fainting.
-
Dizziness.
-
Lightheadedness.
-
Confusion.
Featured in
