Question
The child has been experiencing symptoms of hypokalemia for some time, and the parents are hesitant about whether to administer medication for treatment. They hope to receive professional medical advice.
Answer
Hypokalemia refers to a condition where the concentration of potassium ions in the blood falls below the normal range (3.5 to 5.3 mmol/L), which may lead to toxicity. When treating hypokalemia, oral potassium chloride should be taken, and regular outpatient follow-ups should be conducted. It is also important to actively seek the cause of the condition to provide targeted treatment. Common symptoms of hypokalemia include numbness in the limbs, fatigue, muscle weakness, and episodic softening of paralysis. During an acute attack, potassium can be supplemented intravenously; however, it is more crucial to identify the underlying cause and appropriately address it, as this is the key to treatment.