Diarrhea in childrenImage Credit Source: Getty Images
Diarrhea in children: Diarrhea means diarrhea is very common in children, especially in summer and rainy season. When a child repeatedly starts getting loose or water-like stool, it is called diarrhea. This situation becomes more serious when there is a lack of water and essential minerals in the body. Children’s body is small- so dehydration means lack of water in the body, which can also become fatal. Therefore, diarrhea should never be taken lightly. Constant diarrhea can also be the cause of any other disease or infection.
Sometimes light diarrhea can be common for children, especially when they eat something new or the weather changes. But if the child is having more than 3 to 4 times a day, then it is a matter of concern. Contaminated food, drinking dirty water, non-washing hands, not cleaning the bottle or coming in contact with the infected person can also be the cause of diarrhea. Most of the children play on the ground, put dirty hands, dirty toys in the mouth or eat food in a washed vessel, in many jums, open defecation also spreads diarrhea in children, so that this infection can spread easily.
Often, there can also be difficulty in digesting milk in young children (lactose intensity) can also cause diarrhea. Many times children can get diarrhea even if you use excessive use of antibiotics or eating new things. Due to the immunity of children (strength to fight against diseases), they fall ill quickly. Now know what to do for its treatment.
- Remove body water, salt deficiency
When the child is suffering from diarrhea, a lot of water, salt and essential electrolytes are removed from his body. In such a situation, it is most important to meet the lack of water 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. Young children should keep feeding mother’s milk, because it also nourishes them and also protects them from dehydration.
- Give light and digestive food
The child should be given a light and digested food such as lentils, rice, khichdi, banana, apple chutney or curd. Milk and heavy fried things should be avoided. Even if the child refuses to eat, keep feeding him a little so that the energy remains in the body. Also, it is also necessary to give liquids like more water, coconut water or lemon-water.
- Get used to washing hands
To avoid diarrhea, special attention should be paid to cleanliness. Make children get used to washing hands before eating and after toilet. Wash their bottles, utensils and toys daily. Drink only clean and boiled water. Do not give food outside and ask the children to wash their hands after playing in the open. Proper care, cleanliness and carefully it can be easily stopped and corrected.
- Special care of children younger or younger than 6 months
If there is diarrhea in the newborn or children younger than 6 months, then see the doctor immediately because their immunity is weak and lack of water in the body, dehydration can occur very quickly. Not getting treatment at the right time can cause problems like weakness, weight fall and nutrition deficiency in children. So keep in mind that if the diarrhea is more than 24 hours, then take the advice of a doctor.
- Contact the doctor immediately
If the situation seems serious, do not delay and seek advice from the doctor immediately. In the case of diarrhea, if the child becomes very sluggish, eyes are sunken, urine is reduced, repeated vomiting or diarrhea with blood, then a doctor should be contacted immediately. There may be a need to be hospitalized if dehydration increases.