Does your little one have to go to the toilet all the time? Is your child in a lot of pain because of his or her loose stools? As a parent, it's normal to feel scared and worried. But don't worry. Diarrhea is very common in children. The most important thing is to know exactly what to do and when to see a doctor. Let's talk about it clearly.
Why do young children always have stomachaches?
Simply put, diarrhea is a protective mechanism that the body uses to expel harmful germs when they enter the body. This condition can last from a few days to about a week. Along with diarrhea, symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, and dehydration (lack of water in the body) may also occur.
There are several main reasons why young children get upset stomachs:
- Viral and bacterial infections: The most common cause of diarrhea in children is viral infections . Gastroenteritis, caused by viruses such as rotavirus, is very common. During this time, along with watery diarrhea, symptoms such as vomiting, stomach pain, headache, and fever may also be seen. In addition, diarrhea can be caused by bacteria such as Salmonella and, rarely, parasites such as Giardia.
- Medications: Some medications, especially antibiotics or laxatives, can cause diarrhea in both children and adults.
- Food Poisoning: Food poisoning can also cause stomach upset. Symptoms usually start quickly, may include vomiting, and subside within 24 hours.
- Other medical conditions: Rarely, conditions such as irritable bowel disease, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and some food allergies can also cause persistent diarrhea.
How do you deal with this situation at home?
The main thing we need to focus on when we are hungry is to prevent dehydration.
If a viral infection...
A viral infection can last between 5-14 days. During this time, it is essential to replace the lost water and salts from the body.
Most importantly: Just giving water to young children to rehydrate them is not enough, because water does not contain essential nutrients like sodium and potassium that the body needs.
- For young babies: If breastfeeding, breastfeed frequently. In addition to breastfeeding or if the baby is not breastfed, give him/her some solid foods as directed by your doctor.Give an oral rehydration solution (ORS) like Jeevani.
- For older children: Older children can be given any liquid of their choice, including ORS. If the child is vomiting, it is a good idea to give the liquid slowly and suck on ice packs (Popsicles).
Be sure to talk to your doctor about the amount of fluids your child should be given, how they should be given, and what to watch out for regarding dehydration.
If the medicine makes you sick...
If you are experiencing stomach upset due to antibiotics, do not stop taking them. Talk to your doctor immediately. He or she may recommend reducing the dose, switching to a different medication, or taking a probiotic. Live cultures, such as those found in yogurt, can help repopulate the good bacteria in your gut that have been destroyed by antibiotics.
Let's recognize the dangerous condition called dehydration.
The most dangerous side effect of diarrhea is dehydration. A normal diarrhea doesn't cause much fluid loss, but severe diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause seizures, brain damage, and even death. So be aware of these symptoms.
| Signs of Dehydration | What you should be careful about |
|---|---|
| Dry mouth and lips | Sticky mouth, dry tongue. |
| Decreased urination | Dark yellow urine, wetting fewer diapers than usual, or not urinating for 6-8 hours. |
| No tears when crying | If the child cries but no tears come from the eyes. |
| Drowsiness and lifelessness | The child is too lethargic to play and is constantly sleepy. |
| Cold and dry skin | The child's skin feels cold and dry when touched. |
| Dizziness and blue eyes | The child has difficulty getting up, feels dizzy. |
If your child has any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
When should you definitely see a doctor?
Although diarrhea often resolves in a few days, sometimes it can be a sign of a serious condition. Be especially careful with the following conditions.
| Go to the hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately! | |
|---|---|
| |
| If you have these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. | |
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Special announcement
If a baby under 6 months old has a fever over 100.4° F (38° C), do not give fever-reducing medicine without first consulting a doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Constipation is common in children. Don't worry about it, but be careful.
- Your main goal should be to prevent dehydration. It is very important to give young children Rehydration Solution (ORS) instead of just water.
- Recognize the signs of dehydration (dry mouth, decreased urination, crying without tears, listlessness).
- Avoid stopping medications such as antibiotics without your doctor's advice.
- Seek medical advice immediately if your child is in severe distress, has decreased consciousness, or has blood in their stool. Call your doctor at any time if you have any concerns.
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