Your child is considered to suffer from diarrhea when, along with watery stools, the frequency of motions increases. Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of malnutrition and even deaths in children and should be considered seriously when it lasts for more than two days.
Why is diarrhea known as a Global killer?
- According to the CDC, 1 out of 9 children dies from diarrhea worldwide, making it the second prime reason behind the death of children under five years of age.
- Fact sheet of WHO states 52500 children under the age of 5 die due to diarrhea every year.
- UNICEF data 2019 shows that 9% of deaths of children under five are caused due to diarrhea.
Difference between acute and chronic diarrhea
- Acute Diarrhea
It is also known as short-term diarrhea, as generally, it does not last more than 1 to 2 days. This could happen due to contaminated food or water with bacteria or viruses.
- Chronic Diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea is also long-term diarrhea that can last a few weeks. Generally, this could be an underlying cause of some other diseases like GIT disorders. Diseases like Crohn’s disease, Irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, ulcerative disease, etc.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
Symptoms of diarrhea vary from child to child but should be pondered on critically to minimize the effects.
- Stomach ache
- Dehydration
- Bloating
- Nausea
- Fever
- Cramps
Causes of Diarrhea
Following are given a few reasons that can cause diarrhea in children and should be considered during the treatment.
- Infection (bacterial/ viral)
- A food allergy or Food intolerance
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Medicinal reaction
- Malnutrition
The major complication of diarrhea
Dehydration is the major complication related to diarrhea.
- Mild Dehydration
This loss of water from the body can cause lethargy and weakness in children.
- Moderate dehydration
Moderate dehydration weakens the immune system. In addition, it puts stress on organs like the lungs and heart.
- Severe dehydration
Severe dehydration can cause shock and eventually death.
Preventive measures
- Use boiled or filtered water
- Prefer home-made food
- Eat appropriately washed and peeled fruits and vegetables
- Avoid eating raw or undercooked food
- Prefer pasteurized milk and juice
- Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or after using the washroom
- Give rotavirus vaccination to your kids
- Prefer breastfeeding initially for six months
- Concentrate on good personal and food hygiene
- Educate your children about hygiene
Treatment
Rehydration is the essential treatment for diarrhea. Oral Rehydration salt (ORS) solutions are readily available that rehydrate the body and provide the vital minerals that the body loses in watery stools. In addition, intravenous fluids can be supplied for rehydration in case of severe dehydration.
Zinc supplements and nutrient-rich foods can help children fight diarrhea. However, it is always better to consult a health professional if diarrhea last more than two days or if there is blood in stools.
Take-home
Diarrhea is known as the global killer as it is the leading cause of death in children. Many international organizations like WHO, CDC, and UNICEF have proven the lethal impact of diarrhea through their data sheets with facts and figures. Diarrhea can be caused due to contamination, medicines, food intolerances, or GIT and can be treated by treating the symptoms along with the underlying causes. Rehydration is crucial, but one should consult a health professional for treatment and management in case of persistent diarrhea.