If your child is having frequent diarrhea, do not take it lightly. This problem can be avoided with timely treatment and care. Know here complete information related to the causes, symptoms and treatment of diarrhea.
Diarrhea in Children: Diarrhea is a very common problem in children, especially during summer and rainy seasons. When a child has frequent loose or watery stools, it is called diarrhea. This condition becomes more serious when there is a lack of water and essential minerals in the body. Children have small bodies - so dehydration can happen quickly, which can even be fatal. Therefore, diarrhea should never be taken lightly. Persistent diarrhea can also be the cause of some other disease or infection.
Occasional mild diarrhea in children can be normal, especially when they eat something new or the weather changes. But if the child is passing loose stools more than 3 to 4 times a day, then it is a matter of concern. Contaminated food, drinking dirty water, not washing hands, not keeping the bottle clean or coming in contact with an infected person can also be the cause of diarrhea. Most children play on the ground, put dirty hands, dirty toys in their mouth or eat food in unwashed utensils, in many places, open defecation also spreads diarrhea in children, due to which this infection can spread easily.
Often, problems in digesting milk (lactose intolerance) in young children can also cause diarrhea. Sometimes, excessive use of antibiotics or eating new things can also cause diarrhea in children. Children fall sick easily due to their low immunity (power to fight diseases). Now know what to do to treat diarrhea if it has occurred.
- Eliminate water and salt deficiency in the body
When a child suffers from diarrhea, a lot of water, salt and essential electrolytes are released from his body. In such a situation, it is most important to replenish the water deficiency in the body. The most effective remedy for this is ORS. ORS solution should be given every time after diarrhea, so that the amount of salt and water in the body remains balanced. Small children should be fed mother's milk, because it also provides them nutrition and also protects them from dehydration.
- Give light and digestible food
The child should be given light and easily digestible homemade food like dal-rice, khichdi, banana, apple chutney or curd. Milk and heavy fried foods should be avoided. Even if the child refuses to eat, keep feeding him little by little so that the energy in the body remains. Along with this, it is also important to give liquids like more water, coconut water or lemonade.
- Make it a habit to wash your hands
To avoid diarrhea, special attention should be paid to cleanliness. Make children develop the habit of washing hands before eating and after using the toilet. Wash their bottles, utensils and toys daily. Give them clean and boiled water only. Do not give them outside food and ask children to wash their hands thoroughly after playing in the open. With proper care, cleanliness and caution, it can be easily prevented and cured.
- Special care for newborns or children younger than 6 months
If a newborn or a child younger than 6 months gets diarrhea, consult a doctor immediately because their immunity is weak and dehydration can happen very quickly. If treatment is not done on time, problems like weakness, weight loss and malnutrition can occur in children. Therefore, keep in mind that if diarrhea lasts for more than 24 hours, then definitely consult a doctor.
- Contact a doctor immediately
If the condition seems serious, do not delay and consult a doctor immediately. In case of diarrhea, if the child becomes very lethargic, eyes appear sunken, urinates less, vomits repeatedly or has diarrhea with blood, then a doctor should be contacted immediately. If dehydration increases, hospitalization may be required.
