Diarrhea in children

It is the common bowel related diseases in children.

Symptoms of diarrhea:

• Frequent loose, watery stools.
• Abdominal cramps.
• Abdominal pain.
• Fever.
• Blood in stool.
• Bloating.

When to seek medical help:

• If there is less urinary output.
• If there is fee r more than 102F.
• If there is bloody or black stools.
• If there is dry mouth, no tears during crying and other signs of dehydration.
• If the child is sleepy, drowsy, unresponsive or irritable.
• Sunken appearance of abdomen, eyes or cheeks.
• Loss of skin turgor.

Causes for diarrhea:

• Viruses like Norwalk virus, cytomegalo virus, Rota virus, viral hepatitis. Viruses are the common causes for diarrhea in children.
• Bacteria and parasites: Contaminated food and water transmit bacteria and parasites to the body. Parasites causing diarrhea are Gardia lamblia, cryptosporidium can cause diarrhea.
• The common bacteria involved in diarrhea re salmonella, E,Coli, shigella etc.
• Medications like antibiotics.
• Other causes: Lactose intolerance, irritable bowel syndrome.
• Artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol found in chewing gums can cause diarrhea.

Types of diarrhea:

• Secretary diarrhea seen in cholera.
• Osmotic diarrhea: Occurs due to excess of water loss. It also occur in maldigestion.
• Inflammatory diarrhea: Caused by viral or parasitic infections.. In this the lining of intestine is damaged and loses protein rich fluids.

Treatment:

• Medications:  Antibiotics are advised for bacterial diarrhea.
• Replacement of fluids using oral rehydration solution.
• Treating the underlying conditions.

Home remedies in treating diarrhea:

• Give plenty of clear liquids like water, soups, ganji. Avoid apple or pear juices.
• Give semisolid and low fiber foods like toast, eggs, rice or chicken.
• Avoid foods like dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods.
• Give fruits like banana.
• Give more of curds, butter-milk.

Prevention of diarrhea:

• Use pasteurized dairy products.
• Serve food fresh or refrigerate the food so that it can be served after reheating.
• Drink boiled water.