Diarrhea is one of the most common intestinal disorders in children. The stool becomes frequent, liquid, sometimes mixed with mucus. Other symptoms such as vomiting, fever, and weakness may be present. The main thing in the treatment of diarrhea is preventive measures against dehydration and the appointment of a diet.
Diarrhea in children can be caused by an infection or unhealthy diet or a drug reaction. The acute onset of diarrhea is usually associated with an infection. Diarrhea can be caused by bacteria that disturb the function of the intestines, such as salmonella, E. coli, pathogenic Staphylococcus aureus. Intestinal infection may be accompanied by fever, vomiting. Infection with bacteria most often occurs through dirty hands, food, and contact with a sick person. Sometimes diarrhea is caused by ingested rotavirus. In addition, diarrhea can be a response to new foods in the baby's diet, excessive consumption of juices.
The main threat in diarrhea, especially in young children, is dehydration. If vomiting joins the diarrhea, the danger increases. To replenish fluid in the body, the child needs to be given special ready-made mixtures diluted in water (glucose-salt solutions or electrolytes) sold in a pharmacy. They have a positive effect on the restoration of intestinal function, help to absorb fluids and nutrients. If it is not possible to go to the pharmacy, you can prepare the solution yourself. To do this, dissolve in 100 ml. boiled water 1 teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt. Give to drink in small portions, but often. In addition to special solutions, you can give your child tea with herbs that have anti-inflammatory effects, such as chamomile. Do not offer a child diarrhea remedies intended for adults. If diarrhea is caused by bacteria, antibiotic treatment is possible, strictly as directed by your doctor.
If the baby has frequent diarrhea, it is better to exclude any foods and constantly water the child with glucose-saline solution. While maintaining a normal appetite and the absence of frequent diarrhea, you can offer him rye bread, boiled rice, liquid oatmeal. If the food does not cause increased diarrhea, mashed potatoes, grated apple are introduced into the diet. During diarrhea, milk, fatty foods, juices should be excluded from the child's diet.
In case of dehydration, persistent diarrhea, accompanied by fever or abdominal pain, you should urgently call a doctor for treatment.
