Diarrhea is the leading cause of death for children in the United States. Research has shown that 3 out 10 children are brought to the hospital by diarrhea-related dehydration. This shows that even a simple cause like diarrhea can lead to death in children. However, it is almost preventable.
Prevention
To prevent this terrible event from happening, it is important to be familiar with the causes, symptoms, treatments, and prevention measures for diarrhea, especially in children. Diarrhea is an excessive loss of water or electrolytes due to the passage of unformed stool. Diarrhea can be caused by many conditions.
For infants and young children, diarrhea could be caused by bacteria like Shigella, Salmonella, and Yersinia. It can also be caused by viruses such as adenoviruses and human reovirus-like agents. There would also be some parasites and fungus such as Giardia and Candida. Other conditions such as celiac, food allergies, mechanical obstruction, and congenital anomalies can also cause diarrhea. It is more difficult to determine if a child has diarrhea than it is for adults. This is especially important for infants.
Symptoms
Let me now share with you some symptoms that infants and children should be aware of if they have diarrhea.
- Fluid consistency stool that is loose and fluid. It may be greenish-green or yellow-green in color. It may also contain pus, mucus, or blood. The frequency varies from 2-20 per day. Stools are expended with force and may be preceded or accompanied by pain.
- In severe cases, the appearance of the skin may indicate dehydration. This could include a loss of up to 50% of subcutaneous fat; poor skin turgor; dry skin; pallor; sunken fontanelles or eyes.
- Low grade fever up to 41.1 degrees Celsius (106 degree Farenheight), anorexia, and vomiting may occur.
- Behavior changes such as crying or legs reaching up to the abdomen indicate pain, irritability, restlessness, weakness, extreme prostration, stupor and convulsions, and flaccidity. You should immediately consult your doctor if your child exhibits any of these symptoms.
What to do?
You can take steps to hydrate your child. Based on the number of stools, you can give oral rehydration. Simply mix salt and sugar in warm water and let your child drink it. Oresol is still the best home remedy to combat diarrhea and prevent further dehydration.
