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What is Diarrhea ?
The process of passing loose stools and at a frequency far above
the usual for the child is known as Diarrhea.
What is Dysentery ?
If there is blood associated with the loose stools it is known
as Dysentery.
What Causes Diarrhea ?
Though there is an almost endless
list of diseases and conditions that cause diarrhea , for the sake
of simplicity one may understand that diarrhea is caused either by
infections ( germs , viruses , bacteria or parasites ) or by non
infection related conditions.
The non-infectious causes include what is known
as Parenteral Diarrhea. Any unrelated problem or infection
anywhere else in the body may cause diarrhea. It is common for you
to have come across a child with the common cold who develops a
diarrhea also this is an example of the case in question.
Interestingly , treating the basic cause ( the common cold ) shall
usually treat the diarrhea too !
Infectious causes include predominantly viruses
( Rotavirus being the commonest virus ) , bacteria and a wide
variety of other germs.
How Does Diarrhea Harm ?
Vomiting and / or diarrhea lead to fluid loss from the body and
this leads to disturbed electrolyte ( Sodium , Potassium and
Chloride ) balance of the body. This disturbed electrolyte balance
is known as Dehydration and it is this dehydration that causes
almost all the complications of diarrhea.
How To Recognize
Dehydration ?
In the initial stages of dehydration ( mild dehydration ) you may
note increased thirst and your child may greedily lap up water.
There may also be a slight irritability or there may be lethargy.
You may also note a relatively dry tongue or lips.
When the dehydration has progressed further (
moderate dehydration ) you may find that the eyes are somewhat
sunken in their sockets, urination has got significantly reduced
and the urine appears concentrated ( darker coloured and
thicker ). Dullness and lethargy are significant.
In the advanced stage of dehydration ( severe
dehydration ) the child would be quite moribund , absolutely
listless , may appear even semi conscious or unconscious, the eyes
would be sunken deep in the sockets and there may be a near total
stoppage of urination. The child would be breathing either very
fast and shallow or may be having reduced breathing.The legs and
hands would feel cold and clammy. This is a medical emergency and
speed in reaching medical help is of utmost importance.
What to do in Diarrhea ?
The first and foremost job at your
end is to increase the fluid intake of the child so as to prevent
dehydration or to reduce it if it has already set in.The moment
you find that your child is passing loose stools start increased
fluid intake immediately - even before you see your Pediatrician
for definitive treatment. The idea is to NOT allow the child to go
into dehydration and then treating it PREVENTING dehydration is
what you should aim at.Give any fluid available at hand. MORE
fluid is more important than WHICH fluid.
Specific diets and
points regarding diet and fluids :
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Do not stop breast feeding
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However , avoid additional milk ( i.e. milk
other than breast milk)
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You may give any of these or as many of these
diet items / fluids :
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Lemon squash / neembo ki shikanji
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Coconut water ( tender coconut water daab
)
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Weak tea
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Rice soup ( chawal ka maand)
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Rice with curd
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Khichri with / without curd
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Banana either by itself or best , as a
mash with curd
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Curd / butter milk ( chhacch)
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Sago khichri ( saboo dane ki khichri)
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Chicken soup thin, clear.
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Mixed vegetable soup
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Aerated cold drinks especially Lime drinks
( make sure to pour the drink from a height into the glass and
let it stand for some time so that the gas bubbles are reduced.
Or else the tummy might get bloated and may increase / cause
vomit.
Oral Rehydration Therapy ( O. R. T. ) :
In O.R.T. the essential ingredients are sugar
and salt. Any other additives ( lemon , flavouring agents etc )
are purely for improved taste and thus improving acceptance.
You may make your own Oral Rehydration Solution
( O.R.S.) at home or you may buy one of the several brands
available.
Home Made O.R.S. :
Take 1 glassful water ( boiled and cooled )
Add : 2 teaspoons of sugar
: 1 pinch of salt
: Lemon for taste
Readymade ORS :
Punarjal , Relyte , Electrobion , Electral ,
Speedoral , Coslyte are some of
the brands available choose the flavour/ brand your child likes
the most.
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As a general rule you need some 100 ml of
fluid per loose stool.
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There is no upper limit to ORS give as much
as he demands / you can give.
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You may store the solution for some 8 10
hours need not make fresh ORS every time.
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For testing whether you have made the Home
Made ORS properly or not taste it it should have the taste
of tears .
What NOT to do in diarrhea
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It is a common notion that the tummy
needs rest and one should stop feeding. Please DO continue
feeding the child. The more hungry the child the longer the
diarrhea may last.
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Taking medicines without medical advice.
Please consult your local Pediatrician for proper advice.
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Using medicines that stop diarrhea very
rapidly . These drugs may stop the diarrhea, but may lead
to dangerous side effects.
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Prevention of Diarrhea :
The main thing is to
maintain hygiene.
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Utensils should be clean
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Wash your hands and your childs before a
meal
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Encourage fresh food avoid stale food and
food inappropriate for the season
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If you have to bottle feed your child then
boil the bottle properly and boil it before every feed.
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Monsoons are the season when diarrhea
spreads. Avoid eating out and insist on clean/ filtered water.
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