Diarrhea: Tips and Treatments for Toddlers

As typhoon season goes full blast, kids are more prone to all sorts of sicknesses.  Diarrhea is one hazard that can and should be dealt with as quickly as possible.  Here are some tips from to take note of.

 

Call the Doctor
If you suspect your child may have gotten diarrhea due to contaminated water, contact your pediatrician right away.  E.Coli and Salmonella can be dangerous to children if not treated immediately.  Also, a doctor’s advice is important with regards to administering medication as adult anti-diarrhea drugs may be hazardous to kids if not given in correct doses.

You should call the doctor if you see these warning signs:
•    Hasn't had a wet diaper in three or more hours
•    Vomiting
•    Fever of more than 39C (102 F)
•    Bloody or black stools
•    Dry mouth, cries without tears
•    Sunken appearance to the eyes, cheeks and abdomen
•    Has skin that doesn't flatten if pinched and released
•    Is unusually sleepy, drowsy, irritable or unresponsive

Make Them Wash Their Hands
Many bacteria that cause diarrhea spread through contact with feces.  Make sure your child’s hands are always clean to avoid the spread of germs.

Keep Them Hydrated But Watch What They Drink
Certain drinks should be avoided.  Sports drinks aren’t designed to handle the mineral and electrolyte losses of diarrhea.  Apple and prune juice are natural laxatives and orange and pineapple juice can irritate the stomach.  Instead, get oral rehydration solutions such as Hydrite tablets and Pedialyte as these can replenish nutrients and fluids.  Clean boiled drinking water is a must to have around.  Mixtures approximating glucolyte and am (the water from washed rice) are also recommended if rehydration solutions aren’t available.   

 

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Avoid Milk and Oil-Based Foods
Oily foods, milk-based products (yogurt, cheese, butter, etc.) and spicy foods will only make the symptoms worse.  Oil and lactose are difficult to process when a child has a gastro-intestinal malady and spicy foods may inflame a sensitive stomach and rectum.

Introduce Solid Food Slowly
Take your time in introducing solid food to your child, only if she can tolerate liquids (at least three to four hours without a diarrhea episode is a good benchmark).  Foods such as rice porridge or lugaw with a little salt is appropriate. Steamed rice, bananas, crackers, vegetable or chicken broth, and toast can also be given. Adding tiny slivers of fresh ginger to the lugaw may speed up the healing process once the child can keep her food down.  For a treat, she can also have gelatin.

Have tips to share about diarrhea?  Fill up the comment form below.


Sources:
•    Interview with Helen M. Uy, M.D., pediatrician
•    Mayo Clinic website http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/diarrhea/MY00149/DSECTION=when-to-see-a-doctor
•    Medical Moment website http://www.medicalmoment.org/_content/treatment/jun03/144116.asp
•    E-How website http://www.ehow.com/how_2277802_treat-diarrhea-children.html