Diarrhoea is a common and potentially life-threatening illness affecting infants and children worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhoeal diseases are among the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in children under five years old.
Witnessing your child suffer from diarrhoea can be distressing. Frequent, loose stools and vomiting can lead to dehydration, discomfort and anxiety. Understanding the causes, prevention strategies, and management techniques is crucial for parents, caregivers, and healthcare professionals to provide effective care and support.
This guide provides essential information on identifying diarrhoea causes, implementing preventive measures and managing symptoms in babies and children.
Causes of Diarrhoea
1. Viral infections: Rotavirus, norovirus, and adenovirus are common causes.
2. Bacterial infections: For example E. coli, Salmonella, and Shigella infections.
3. Food allergies or intolerances: Lactose intolerance, gluten allergy.
4. Infections from contaminated food or water i.e Food poisoning.
5. Medications: Medications such as antibiotics and antacids can cause diarrhoea in children.
6. Underlying medical conditions: For example inflammatory bowel disease, gastroesophageal reflux disease.
Symptoms of Diarrhoea
The following are symptoms associated with diarrhoea:
1. Frequent, loose, and watery stools
2. Abdominal pain or cramping
3. Vomiting
4. Fever
5. Blood in stool
6. Dehydration (excessive thirst, dry mouth, decreased urine output)
Ways to Prevent Diarrhoea
1. Vaccination: Rotavirus vaccine for infants.
2. Good hygiene: Teach kids to frequently wash their hands especially after play. Proper diaper changing is crucial to prevent diarrhoea and other infections in babies.
Here is a step-by-step guide:
• Wash hands with soap and warm water before starting.
• Gather essentials – Diapers, wipes, diaper cream, and a trash can.
• Choose a safe location: Flat surface, away from sharp objects.
• Clean changing surface: Disinfect after each use.
• Wash hands after completing diaper change.
• Use disposable wipes to clean baby’s hands and face. Also use wipes to clean baby’s genital areas and buttocks.
• Change diapers frequently: Every 2-3 hours or when soiled.
• Avoid sharing personal items to prevent cross-contamination.
Proper Diaper Changing Steps
• Undo the diaper: Release the adhesive tabs on the diaper carefully.
• Lift legs: Gently lift baby’s legs, supporting their back.
• Remove soiled diaper: Hold baby’s legs up, slide out the diaper.
• Clean genital area: Use wipes, front to back, to prevent bacterial transfer.
• Clean buttocks: Gently wipe, ensuring thorough cleaning.
• Apply diaper cream (if needed): For skin protection and rash prevention.
• Fasten new diaper: Ensure snug fit, avoiding tightness.
• Use another wipe to clean the baby’s face and hands.
• Dispose of soiled diapers: Wrap, tie, and throw away.
3. Breastfeeding: Exclusively breastfeeding babies for 6 months can help to prevent diarrhoea in children.
4. Proper food handling: Store, prepare, and cook food safely.
5. Avoid contaminated water: Use clean drinking water.
6. Probiotics: Probiotics are live microorganisms (beneficial bacteria and yeasts) that promote gut health, boost the immune system and prevent digestive disorders, including diarrhoea. Feeding children probiotics-rich foods (such as Yoghurt) will help to prevent diarrhoea. There are also supplementary probiotics considerations – Consult a healthcare professional before giving probiotics to children or individuals with compromised immune systems or to prevent diarrhoea.
Management of Diarrhoea
Diarrhoea can be managed in the following ways:
Mild Diarrhoea
1. Oral rehydration therapy (ORT): ORT involves administering oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost fluids, electrolytes and nutrients.
Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS)
• World Health Organization (WHO) ORS: A standardized formula containing sodium, potassium, chloride, citrate and glucose.
• Pediatric ORS: Designed for children, with lower sodium and higher potassium levels.
• Homemade ORS: A simplified recipe using water, salt, sugar and optional ingredients like fruit juice or coconut water.
Homemade ORS Recipe
Mix 1 liter (4 cups) of water with:
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 6 teaspoons sugar
• Optional: 1/4 teaspoon potassium chloride, 1/4 teaspoon sodium citrate
Administration of ORS
• Dose: 50-100 mL (1-2 cups) after each loose stool or vomiting episode.
• Frequency: Every 5-10 minutes, as needed.
• Duration: Continue until dehydration resolves or stool frequency decreases.
• Monitoring: Track fluid intake, urine output, stool frequency and overall condition.
Consult a healthcare professional for personalized guidance on Oral Rehydration Therapy.
2. Breastfeeding: Continue or resume breastfeeding (for children within breastfeeding years) when they are diarrhoeic.
3. Diet: BRAT diet (made up of Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) for older children.
4. Rest: Encourage rest.
Managing Moderate to Severe Diarrhoea
1. Seek medical attention: Consult a pediatrician.
2. Intravenous fluids: Hospitalization may be necessary.
3. Antibiotics: If bacterial infection is confirmed.
4. Anti-diarrhoeal medications: Only under medical supervision.
Home Remedies for Moderate Diarrhoea
• Ginger: Ginger tea or ginger ale.
• Yoghurt: Probiotic-rich yoghurt.
• Chamomile tea: Soothes digestive system.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention when there is:
1. Severe diarrhoea: Severe vomiting, abdominal pain, when diarrhoea persists for more than 3 days.
2. Dehydration: Excessive thirst, dry mouth, decreased urine output.
3. Fever: Over 102°F (39°C) and over 100.4°F (38°C) in infants under 3 months.
4. Blood in stool: Visible blood or black tarry stools.
5. Vomiting: Persistent vomiting. Immediate medical attention is needed when the child vomits blood or bile.
6. Refusal to feed: When the infant or child refuses to eat.
Diarrhoea in babies and children is a widespread health concern requiring prompt attention. This resource has outlined the key factors contributing to diarrhoea, practical prevention methods and effective management strategies to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and ensure optimal health outcomes.