Diarrhea in children
Although diarrhea is often a common and rarely serious finding, it is important to know in which situations intervention is required. Because, if not treated properly, it may cause fluid loss and disrupt the balance of water and salt in your child's body.
How should my child's normal stool be?
The frequency and consistency of normal stool varies according to the age of your child. It is normal for young babies to have stool with soft-consistency 3-10 times a day (babies who breastfeed may defecate more often than those fed with formula). In the first 3 months, some babies have 2 or more feces a day, while others have soft stools once a week. By the age of two, most children have soft but firm stools at least once a day. In older children, the intestinal habit may be different for each child; some may go to the toilet after each meal, while others go to the toilet every other day. The consistency and color of the stool also varies with age. In particular, the feces of small babies who take breast milk may be yellow, green or brown, and may contain particles.
How do I know if my child has diarrhea?
Diarrhea is defined as defecation of your child, either slurry or watery, or more frequent defecation than usual. It is defined as the frequency of normal defecation in infants doubling, and in older children three or more watery defecations. Although the stool consistency and color of all children are related to nutrition, attention should be paid to watery and slimy stools, and a doctor should be consulted for blood or black-tar stools.
Causes of Diarrhea
• Viruses; It is the most common cause of diarrhea in children. It is mostly seen in winter, causing watery diarrhea, vomiting, mild fever, headache, abdominal cramps, muscle pains and loss of appetite. Diarrhea caused by bacteria is often difficult to distinguish from diarrhea due to viruses, but fever is usually higher, diarrhea may be bloody or slimy. Diarrhea caused by bacteria and parasites is usually seen in areas where drinking water is not clean and sewage cannot be drained properly. The disease may develop by consuming food or beverages contaminated by the causative germ or by bringing hands that have come into contact with the germ to the mouth.
• Antibiotics; Antibiotic diarrhea is usually mild and does not require antibiotics to be discontinued. However, it is necessary to consult a physician in cases that do not improve after the end of the antibiotic, which is severe or leads to bloody diarrhea.
Most diarrhea resolves within 3-7 days. Fifteen days of diarrhea, infections, digestive disorders, genetic diseases, food allergies can be caused by different causes and may require different treatment. Therefore, diarrhea lasting more than ten days should consult a doctor.
LIQUID LOSS ATTENTION
Diarrhea can cause fluid loss in the body. Fluid loss is more common in infants and young children. Slight fluid loss, thirst, mild dry mouth, moderate fluid loss in the amount of urine (not to urinate within six hours), the tear when he cries, no-tear, dry mouth and eyes collapse, severe fluid loss, drowsiness, acceleration in the pulse and non-urination.
How should diarrhea children feed?
Children without fluid loss and who can be fed orally should continue to eat normally. It can consume rice, wheat, potatoes, bread, lean meat, vegetables and fruits. Infants who are breastfed need to be breastfed frequently. Adequate water and liquid food should be given. Fatty foods, fruit juices, multi-sugar drinks are not recommended because they can increase diarrhea. Medication for diarrhea is usually not necessary and should not be used unless advised by your doctor. In children with moderate to severe fluid loss, you can give oral fluids containing sugar and minerals as directed by your doctor. These sugar and mineral (salt) mixtures are available in ready packages and mixed with the recommended amount of water and drunk within a certain time. Children who cannot be fed orally may need intravenous fluid therapy.
When to consult a doctor?
• Bloody diarrhea
• If she is under 1 year of age and has not eaten or drunk anything within a few hours
• If you have severe abdominal pain
• Very sluggish, continuous drowsiness or mood change
• Signs of fluid loss: dry mouth, no tears when crying or urinating for 4-6 hours in infants and 6-8 hours in older children
• High fever
• If diarrhea lasted longer than 10 days, you should consult your doctor
How to prevent diarrhea?
• Wash hands frequently and appropriately (using soap for 30 seconds).
must be washed, including nails, fingers and wrists)
• Change the diaper carefully and then wash hands.
• Water that is not sure of its cleanliness or whose source is unknown should not be consumed.
• Raw foods should be washed carefully.
• If the child does not go to school until he has recovered from diarrhea,
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