If parents find that their children lack potassium, there is no need to rush to use medication for supplementation, and improvement can be gradually made through dietary adjustments. It is recommended to increase the intake of potassium-rich foods in daily diet, such as asparagus, potatoes, and other common vegetables, paying attention to balance intake and avoiding excessive consumption.
For stages where potassium deficiency symptoms are significant, treatment may require oral or intravenous administration of potassium chloride. Specific dosage should be followed as per medical advice and close monitoring may be necessary to prevent complications. Particularly for patients with affected heart function or respiratory difficulties, additional measures such as oxygen supplementation and heart rhythm control may be needed. During this period, avoid rapid or excessive potassium supplementation to prevent the risk of toxicity.
During the period of symptom relief, it is important to prevent recurrence by avoiding factors that may trigger potassium deficiency such as overeating, high-sugar diets, or excessive fatigue. Some patients may need continuous potassium supplementation and be vigilant against potential heart rhythm issues, taking timely measures to prevent sudden conditions.
The fundamental treatment for potassium deficiency lies in addressing the underlying diseases and restoring a normal dietary structure. Oral supplementation is the preferred way of potassium supplementation, and intravenous injection may be necessary when needed. However, careful operation is required to strictly control the concentration and infusion rate of potassium chloride solutions to ensure safety. Depending on the situation, doctors may choose different forms of potassium salts such as potassium bicarbonate, potassium aspartate, or potassium magnesium L-aspartate for supplementation, especially when patients have liver function abnormalities or other electrolyte imbalances.
Potassium deficiency is usually associated with prolonged fasting, severe vomiting, diarrhea, or use of certain medications, and may present symptoms like muscle weakness and neurological dysfunction, requiring detailed diagnosis. It is particularly important to ensure adequate urine output during intravenous potassium supplementation to avoid potential risks, and potassium supplementation should not be hasty or excessive.
