Diarrhea is a common condition that occurs when stool is loose, unformed, or watery and is passed multiple times a day. It can affect individuals of all ages, but it is more common and severe in children, especially infants. This condition is an indication of digestive system disorders that may be caused by bacterial or viral infections, or as a result of allergies or reactions to certain medications. It is essential to monitor the symptoms and take proper care of the child to avoid complications such as dehydration, which can be serious if not addressed quickly and effectively.
Symptoms:
- Change in stool consistency to become loose and watery.
- Increase in the frequency of bowel movements.
- Occasionally, a rise in temperature.
- Loss of appetite.
- Feeling nauseous.
- Vomiting.
- Abdominal cramps and contractions.
- Presence of blood in the stool.
When to Consult a Doctor at Care Hospitals?
- If the patient is an infant younger than 6 months.
- If the stool changes color to black or blood appears in it.
- If there is recurrent vomiting.
- If the temperature rises to 38 degrees Celsius or higher.
- If signs of dehydration appear in the child, such as reduced urination, absence of tears while crying, dry skin, mouth, and tongue, and headache.
- If the eyes are sunken or the skin color changes to gray.
Causes of Diarrhea in Children:
Certain antibiotics, food allergies, germs, and viruses such as rotavirus and viral hepatitis, as well as bacteria like E. coli, and parasites, can cause diarrhea in children. These germs can easily be transmitted from one person to another, especially among children.
Prevention Methods:
- Teach the child to wash their hands thoroughly with water and soap, especially after using the toilet and before eating.
- Encourage the child to wash fruits and vegetables before eating them.
- Avoid consuming exposed foods or eating outside the home.
- Administer appropriate vaccines such as the hepatitis virus and rotavirus vaccines when traveling to endemic areas or in cases of repeated diarrhea throughout the year.
Treatment:
In cases of mild and moderate diarrhea, the child can be treated at home without the need to go to the hospital, by doing the following:
- Give the child fluids to prevent dehydration, such as oral rehydration solution or apple juice.
- For children who eat and do not rely solely on milk, provide fluids like apple juice and other juices for 24 hours, then offer light meals such as bananas, boiled apples, potatoes, boiled rice, and jelly.
In the case of severe diarrhea, or if the child has a high fever or is a newborn, it is necessary to go to the hospital to administer fluids intravenously.
