Monday, March 25, 2024

How To Stop Diarrhea In Kids

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Check For Bloody Stool

How to prevent and treat all diarrhea in children

Ensure that there is no blood in the stool. This seems obvious for children still in diapers, but make sure to check the stool of those who are potty-trained, as they may not mention this to you. If you do find blood in the stool, see your childs doctor right away.

Sometimes blood in the stool can be microscopic, so your childs pediatrician may ask for a stool sample to test for blood if there is any concern.

In addition, talk to your doctor if your child has diarrhea along with weight loss or poor weight gain, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, or stools that are greasy or oily.

How Is Diarrhoea Treated

The most important treatment of diarrhoea in young children is to provide fluids, which will help to prevent dehydration. Ask your pharmacist for advice, they may recommend oral rehydration salts or drinks containing electrolytes.

Continue feeding your baby via breast or bottle. You should try to breastfeed in small feeds more often than usual, particularly if your child is being sick. For babies on formula or solid foods, give them small sips of water between feeds.

You can offer older children food, but they may not feel like eating. Your child may find it easier to start with plain or simple food. If they have no appetite, continue focusing on keeping them hydrated their appetite will return when they start to recover.

When your child has diarrhoea, avoid giving them certain fluids that can contain hard-to-digest sugars and cause bloating.

Does My Child Have Diarrhea

Symptoms of diarrhea vary depending on age and the cause. For example, your child may have soft or watery stools of different colours which may sometimes contain blood, mucus or poorly digested food. Diarrhea is also associated with an increase in the amount of stool.

Your child may also have the following symptoms:

  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Headaches and abdominal pain

Another consequence of diarrhea is dehydration. This is the most common complication of diarrhea in children. Here are the symptoms of dehydration to watch for:

  • Extreme fatigue and apathy

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How To Treat Diarrhea In Kids

Medically reviewed by Dr. Kenneth Knowles, MD on March 28th, 2021

Diarrhea is a common problem in people of all ages, including kids. Characterized by loose, watery stools and a frequent urge to go, diarrhea can quickly ruin your childs dayand yours, too. Lets take a look at some of the most common causes of diarrhea and a few time-tested ways to help stop diarrhea in kids. The sooner your child feels better, the sooner he or she can focus on whats most important: being a kid!

Can Infectious Diarrhoea In Children Be Prevented

Kids Health: Diarrhea

The advice given in the previous section is mainly aimed at preventing the spread of infection to other people. But, even when we are not in contact with someone with infectious diarrhoea, proper storage, preparation and cooking of food and good hygiene help to prevent us catching an infection. In particular, always wash your hands and teach children to wash theirs:

  • After going to the toilet .
  • Before touching food. And also, between handling raw meat and food ready to be eaten. on raw meat.)
  • After gardening.
  • After playing with pets .

The simple measure of washing hands regularly and properly is known to make a big difference to the chance of developing gut infections and diarrhoea.

You should also take extra measures when in countries of poor sanitation. For example, avoid water and other drinks that may not be safe and avoid food washed in unsafe water.

Breastfeeding is also protective. Breast-fed babies are much less likely to develop infectious diarrhoea compared to bottle-fed babies.

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What To Do If You Have Gastrointestinal Symptoms

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, or nausea can have many causes other than COVID-19. Experiencing any of these symptoms doesnât mean you have COVID-19, but they may be early warning signs.

You can treat the digestive symptoms of COVID-19 at home by staying hydrated, avoiding foods that upset your stomach, and getting as much rest as possible.

When Your Child Has Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools. For some children, diarrhea is mild and will go away within a few days. For others, it may last longer. It can make your child lose too much fluid and feel weak.

The stomach flu is a common cause of diarrhea. Medical treatments, such as antibiotics and some cancer treatments can also cause diarrhea.

This article speaks of diarrhea in children over 1 year of age.

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Eat As Normally As Possible Once Any Dehydration Has Been Treated

Correcting any dehydration is the first priority. However, if your child is not dehydrated , or once any dehydration has been corrected, encourage your child to have their normal diet. Do not starve a child with diarrhoea. This used to be advised but is now known to be wrong. So:

  • Breast-fed babies should continue to be breast-fed if they will take it. This will usually be in addition to extra rehydration drinks .
  • Bottle-fed babies should be fed with their normal full-strength feeds if they will take it. Again, this will usually be in addition to extra rehydration drinks .
  • Older children – offer them some food every now and then. However, if he or she does not want to eat, that is fine. Drinks are the most important and food can wait until their appetite returns.

Natural Remedies For Diarrhea #8 Brat Diet

How Do I Stop Diarrhea for a Baby?

Eating high-binding and hardening foods such as overripebananas, rice, apple sauce and toast are definitely the way to goif you currently have a dose of the runs. Other foods including pasta, oatmeal,yogurt and healthy wholemealcrackers are also very good for treating diarrhea and hardening stools. Andmake sure you avoid all spicy foods and saturated fatty foods, especially friedfoods and takeaway foods. Eating these unhealthy foods will only keep sendingyou back to that dreaded thunder box!

Along with following the BRAT diet, try making yourself anice peppermint or chamomile tea as well. Chamomile and peppermint are bothvery soothing to the gastrointestinal tract and help to alleviate the build-upof intestinal gas that can sometimes accompany diarrhoea. Youcan easily buy chamomile or peppermint tea from most supermarkets or online. Forextra benefit and taste, add a slice of fresh lemon to your cup and drink 3-4times per day. For children with diarrhea, try giving them some peppermintcandy . Just be aware thatpeppermint candy can be high in sugar so be sure to go with a sugar free brand.

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When To See A Doctor

If your symptoms are mild, stay home and minimize contact with other people. More than 80 percent of people with COVID-19 will develop mild symptoms.

If you want to get in touch with a doctor, many clinics offer phone or video appointments to reduce the spread of the virus. Itâs a good idea to avoid going to the hospital. Even if you have mild symptoms, you can still transmit the disease to other people, including healthcare workers.

Medical Emergency

Diagnosis Of Toddler’s Diarrhea

Doctors may suspect toddler’s diarrhea in children with chronic diarrhea who are six months to five years old and are gaining weight, developing normally and otherwise healthy. The doctor will ask questions about your child’s symptoms and the frequency of diarrhea to make a diagnosis. A detailed dietary and fluid intake history is often very helpful when evaluating causes of diarrhea.

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What Should You Do When You Have Diarrhea

Remember that diarrhea is the bodys way of expelling toxins and pathogens from your system. This is why most treatment involves addressing the symptoms that accompany the diarrhea instead of trying to stop it. The two most basic precautions to take when diarrhea strikes are:

  • Maximizing fluid intake: Keeping hydrated and compensating for the loss of electrolytes is the most important precaution in preventing diarrhea and your compromised health condition from getting worse. You should increase your consumption of fluids to at least two to three liters a day. Water and clear broths are among the best options. Sports drinks and oral rehydration solutions are recommend for replenishing the lost electrolytes and salts from the body.
  • Resting and relaxing: Rejuvenation is an essential aspect of recovery in any illness. Getting plenty of rest and minimizing stressors helps your body fight off infection and improve your condition. Furthermore, some people suffer from diarrhea due to psychological factors such as stress and anxiety. Limiting these triggers can also help in controlling and improving your symptoms.

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Children And Diarrhea: Recognizing Dehydration

How to Stop Diarrhea in Kids

Dehydration is one of the most worrisome complications of diarrhea in children. Mild diarrhea usually doesn’t cause significant fluid loss, but moderate or severe diarrhea can.

Severe dehydration is dangerous it can cause seizures, brain damage, even death. Know the signs of dehydration. Call your doctor if your child has:

  • Dark yellow urine, or very little or no urine
  • Few or no tears when crying

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Does Your Child Need To See A Doctor About Diarrhoea

If your child is under three months old and has diarrhoea, always see your GP.

Its also a good idea to see your GP if your child:

  • has chronic diarrhoea
  • has blood in her poo
  • is losing weight.

Take your child to a hospital emergency department straight away if he has diarrhoea and:

  • shows signs of dehydration that is, if he isnt passing urine, is pale and thin, has sunken eyes, cold hands and cold feet, is drowsy or is very cranky
  • cant keep fluids down and has severe stomach pain or stomach pain that wont go away
  • shows signs of being very unwell.

You know your child best, so trust your instincts if your child doesnt seem well. Signs that your child has a serious illness that requires urgent medical attention include severe pain, drowsiness, pale or blue skin, dehydration, troubled breathing, seizures and reduced responsiveness.

Things Your Child Should Avoid Eating Or Drinking

Children should avoid certain kinds of foods when they have diarrhea, including fried foods, greasy foods, processed or fast foods, pastries, donuts, and sausage.

Avoid giving children apple juice and full-strength fruit juices, as they can loosen stool.

Have your child limit or cut out milk and other dairy products if they are making diarrhea worse or causing gas and bloating.

Your child should avoid fruits and vegetables that can cause gas, such as broccoli, peppers, beans, peas, berries, prunes, chickpeas, green leafy vegetables, and corn.

Your child should also avoid caffeine and carbonated drinks at this time.

When children are ready for regular foods again, try giving them:

  • Bananas

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What To Feed My Child After Vomiting

Do not give them any fried or greasy stuff after the child has vomited. You may give them water, candies, herbal tea, or bland foods such as rice cereals or crackers.

Other than dehydration, there may not be any significant complications when the child is vomiting. If the vomiting doesnt stop, then the doctor may diagnose it further to determine the underlying cause and prescribe additional treatment based on the diagnosis. Meanwhile, home remedies may help.

Do you know any other home remedies to help treat vomiting in children? Let us know about them in the comment section below.

References:

Fluids To Prevent Lack Of Fluid In The Body

How to Stop Diarrhea in Toddlers

You should encourage your child to take plenty of fluids. The aim is to prevent dehydration. The fluid lost if they have been sick and/or have had diarrhoea needs to be replaced. Your child should continue with their normal diet and usual drinks. In addition, they should also be encouraged to drink extra fluids. However, avoid fruit juices or fizzy drinks, as these can make diarrhoea worse.

Babies under 6 months old are at increased risk of dehydration. You should seek medical advice if they develop sudden-onset diarrhoea. Breast-feeds or bottle-feeds should be encouraged as normal. You may find that your baby’s demand for feeds increases. You may also be advised to give extra fluids in between feeds.

Rehydration drinks may be advised by a doctor for children at increased risk of dehydration . They are made from sachets available from pharmacies and on prescription. You should be given instructions about how much to give. Rehydration drinks provide a perfect balance of water, salts and sugar. The small amount of sugar and salt helps the water to be taken in better from the gut into the body. Home-made salt/sugar mixtures are used in developing countries if rehydration drinks are not available but they have to be made carefully, as too much salt can be dangerous to a child. Rehydration drinks are cheap and readily available in the UK and are the best treatment for your child.

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How Can Diarrhea Be Prevented

Its almost impossible to prevent all cases diarrhea. But there are some ways to make it less likely:

  • Wash your hands well and often, especially after using the toilet and before eating. Hand washing is the best way to prevent diarrheal infections that pass from person to person.
  • Keep bathroom surfaces like sinks and toilets clean.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables well before eating.
  • Clean kitchen counters and cooking utensils well after theyve been in contact with raw meat, especially poultry.
  • Refrigerate meats as soon as possible after bringing them home from the store. Cook them until theyre no longer pink. Refrigerate all leftovers as soon as possible.
  • Never drink from streams, springs, or lakes unless local health authorities have checked that the water is safe for drinking.
  • Avoid washing pet cages or bowls in the same sink that you use to prepare food. And try to keep pet feeding areas separate from family eating areas.

Fluids To Treat Dehydration

If your child is mildly dehydrated, this may be treated by giving them rehydration drinks. Read the instructions carefully for advice about how to make up the drinks and about how much to give. The amount can depend on the age and the weight of your child. If rehydration drinks are not available for whatever reason, make sure you keep giving your child water, diluted fruit juice or some other suitable liquid. If you are breastfeeding, you should continue with this during this time. It is important that your child is rehydrated before they have any solid food.

Sometimes a child may need to be admitted to hospital for treatment if they are dehydrated. Treatment in hospital usually involves giving rehydration solution via a special tube called a nasogastric tube. This tube passes through your child’s nose, down their throat and directly into their stomach. An alternative treatment is with fluids given directly into a vein .

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Diarrhea In Children: Common Causes And Treatments

Diarrhea is the body’s way of ridding itself of germs, and most episodes last a few days to a week. Diarrhea can occur with fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, dehydration, and even rashes. Some of the most common reasons kids get diarrhea include:

  • Infection from viruses like rotavirus, bacteria like salmonella and, rarely, parasites like giardia. Viruses are the most common cause of a child’s diarrhea. Along with loose or watery stools, symptoms of a viral gastroenteritis infection often include vomiting, stomachache, headache, and fever.

When treating viral gastroenteritis — which can last 5-14 days — it’s important to prevent fluid loss. Offer additional breast milk or an oral rehydration solution to infants and young children. Water alone doesn’t have enough sodium, potassium, and other nutrients to safely rehydrate very young children. Be sure to talk to your doctor about the amount of fluids your child needs, how to make sure they get them, when to give them, and how to watch for dehydration.

Older children with diarrhea can drink anything they like to stay hydrated, including ORS and brand-name products . Popsicles can also be a good way to get fluids into a child who’s been vomiting and needs to rehydrate slowly.

Be sure to consult with a doctor if you have travelled outside of the country recently your child may need to have their stool tested. If symptoms last longer than two weeks, also consult a doctor.

Diarrhea And Other Gastrointestinal Symptoms Of Covid

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Some people with COVID-19 develop gastrointestinal symptoms either alone or with respiratory symptoms.

Recently, researchers at Stanford University found that a third of patients they studied with a mild case of COVID-19 had symptoms affecting the digestive system.

Another published by researchers in Beijing found that anywhere from 3 to 79 percent of people with COVID-19 develop gastrointestinal symptoms.

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How Is Diarrhea Treated

Treatment will depend on your childs symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on how severe the condition is.

Dehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment includes replacing lost fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infections are the cause.

Children should drink lots of fluids. This helps replace the lost body fluids. If your child is dehydrated, be sure to:

  • Offer drinks called glucose-electrolyte solutions. These fluids have the right balance of water, sugar, and salts. Some are available as popsicles.

  • Avoid juice or soda. They may make diarrhea worse.

  • Not give plain water to your baby

  • Not give too much plain water to kids of any age. It can be dangerous.

  • Keep breastfeeding your baby. Breastfed babies often have less diarrhea.

  • Keep feeding your baby formula, if you were already doing so

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