DIARRHOEA IN CHILDREN

WHAT IS DIARRHOEA?

  • It refers to a gut infection in which there is a frequent passage of loose watery stools.
  • The infection may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.
  • The diarrhoea usually lasts for 2 to 4 days. Occasionally, it may go on for 10 days.
  • For most cases, no medication is necessary. However, it is crucial that there is an adequate intake of fluids.
  • A major problem is dehydration (drying out). This occurs when your child loses too much fluids. Dehydration can be prevented by giving your child more fluids.

WHAT IS GASTROENTERITIS?

Gastroenteritis or GE for short is usually caused by a virus known as rotavirus. it can also be caused by bacteria (Salmonelle, Camphylobacter etc.)

IS THERE ANY WAY TO PREVENT MY CHILD FROM GETTING DIARRHOEA?

  • It is difficult to prevent your child from coming into contact with the germs that cause acute diarrhoea.
  • These germs are present in the community all the time.
  • However, good hygiene habits will minimise the risk of spreading the infection.

To reduce the risk of infection

  • For newborns and infants - bottle hygiene is very important. Use sterilised milk bottles if bottlefeeding. This can be done by boiling or using sterilising tablets.
  • For older children - handwashing and good toilet habits should be taught to ensure your child get clean and healthy food.

HOME CARE

Children less than 12 months old

Breast fed babies

  • Continue to breast feed your baby.

Formula fed babies

  • Discontinue formula feeding for 24 hours. You can feed your child with rice water to allow his digestive tract to rest. Offer the same amount of rice water as the usual formula feed.
  • Alternatively, you can offer your child 1/2 strength milk feeds or soy formula feeds.
  • Do not feed your baby water only.
  • Resume formula feeds when the stools improve.

Infants on solids

  • Stop solids and offer fluids to your child.
  • After the nature and frequency of the stools have improved, you can slowly reintroduce the normal feeds.
  • If your child is vomiting, you can give him a trial of small frequent clear feeds such as rice or barley water. For example, give 10 to 15 mls of fluids every half hour to one hour. If he can tolerate this, you can increase the volume by 10 to 15 mls.