Your child has been diagnosed with hypophosphatemia. This means there is not enough phosphorus in your child's blood. Phosphorus is a mineral that helps develop bones and teeth. It also helps control energy metabolism. Most cases of hypophosphatemia are caused by other health problems. Here's what you need to know about home care for this condition.
Diet changes
- Unless the doctor tells you otherwise, have your child drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluid each day.
- Keep track of how much fluid your child drinks.
- Increase your child's intake of foods that have phosphorus, including:
- Milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, and ice cream.
- Meat, fish, poultry, eggs, and peanuts.
Other home care
- Give your child all medicine as directed.
- Don't give your child antacids. These can keep your child from absorbing the phosphorus in food.
- Tell the doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines your child is taking. This includes vitamins and herbal supplements. Some of these can cause interactions with other medicines.
- Tell the doctor if your child has a history of diabetes or liver, kidney, or heart disease.
- Have your child get back to normal activities as directed by the doctor.
Follow-up
- Make a follow-up appointment with the doctor, or as directed.
- Keep all appointments for lab work and follow-up. Your child's condition will need to be watched closely.
When to contact your child's doctor
Contact the doctor right away if your child has:
- Confusion.
- Irritable behavior.
- Muscle pain.
- Upset stomach or vomiting.
- Diarrhea that isn't eased by changing your child's diet.
- Constipation for more than 2 days.
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