Diarrhea in children is quite a common phenomenon.The child's organism reacts very sensitively to many changes, which can result in unexpected, sometimes unexplained diarrhea.
According to the WHO, diarrhoea is the third leading cause of death in children under 5 years of age; the annual number of child deaths from diarrhoea is estimated at 443 832. (1) Knowing how to care for your child during this period is essential for their safety and well-being. Thus, the problem is serious and important; it is often fatal for children, especially if the cause is bacterial or infectious.
Incidence of diarrhoea in children
The process of diarrhea can be triggered by any number of changes, such as infections, growing teeth, dietary changes, and even stress (in older children). In young children, especially under the age of three, diarrhea can be particularly dangerous. Therefore, the occurrence of liquid stools more than three times a day should raise concern. The manifestations of diarrhoea depend on the age of the child, the state of his or her immunity, the condition of the digestive tract and the cause that triggered it.
Rapid loss of fluids and vital minerals and nutrients can quickly lead to severe dehydration and damage to certain organs.
Symptoms and types of childhood diarrhea
Diarrhea is usually divided into two categories: acute and chronic. Acute diarrhea lasts for a maximum of 14 days, while chronic diarrhea persists beyond this time. In addition to frequent bowel movements, diarrhoea may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- vomiting
- abdominal pain (cramps or soreness)
- fever
- pale skin
- weakness or lethargy
- sleep disturbances
- loss of appetite
- weight loss (in acute cases)
- change in stools (foamy, jelly-like, unusual colour, etc.).
If any of these symptoms occur, immediate consultation with a paediatrician is necessary to avoid serious complications and to initiate appropriate treatment.
Causes of diarrhea
Diarrhoea is usually caused by disorders in the digestive system, often triggered by toxins, bacteria or viruses. The body responds by accelerating intestinal peristalsis and often active secretion of water into the intestinal tract.
The most common causes of acute diarrhea include:
- Consumption of poor quality or contaminated food
- ingestion of water or food contaminated with harmful micro-organisms
- side effects of medication or intoxication with chemicals
- intestinal infections
- overeating fruit, berries or sweets
- respiratory infections (e.g. colds, flu or other viral infections)
- food intolerances
- In children under one year of age, diarrhoea often occurs when switching from breast milk to formula milk or when introducing solid food due to adaptation. The digestive system may respond to the new food with liquid stools. In addition, certain fruits, vegetables, cow's milk, honey, fish and cereals can cause allergic reactions that lead to frequent diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea
Chronic diarrhea is usually associated with diseases that interfere with the function of the digestive tract. It can occur as a result of an exacerbation of diseases such as pancreatitis, ulcerative colitis or irritable bowel syndrome, or as a result of lactose or gluten intolerance. The diagnosis of chronic diarrhoea requires a comprehensive approach which may include, in addition to physical examination, abdominal sonography, colonoscopy, gastroscopy, other imaging methods and biochemical investigations such as autoantibody testing.
First aid for diarrhoea
1. Hydration is an important step
With diarrhea, the child and adults in general lose large amounts of water and electrolytes (salts), which can lead to dehydration. Dehydration is the greatest risk, especially for infants and young children. Symptoms of dehydration include:
- Dry mouth or lips
- Skin turgor
- Drop in fontanelle in infants
- Fewer wet diapers or toilet visits
- Lack of tears when crying
- Sleepiness or irritability
What to do:
- Oral rehydration solutions (ORS): These are specifically designed to replenish lost fluids and salts. They are available at most pharmacies. Drink in small, frequent sips.
- Enterosgel: Shortens the length and duration of diarrhea.It is safe for all ages, including children from birth. Due to its structure, it promotes the elimination of adsorbed toxins and harmful substances, which is useful in the treatment of certain conditions such as symptomatic treatment of acute diarrhea and irritable bowel syndrome with diarrhea. It can be administered along with ORS after consultation in a physician.
- Breastfeeding: if you are breastfeeding, continue to breastfeed your baby. Breast milk is the best source of hydration and nutrition.
- Water: offer water regularly to older babies, but avoid sugary drinks or juices as they can make diarrhea worse.
2. Food - what to give and what to avoid
Many parents wonder whether to stop feeding the baby during diarrhea. The answer is: No. Babies need nutrients to help them recover, but it's important to focus on the right kinds of foods.
What to feed:
- Diet BRAT: This is bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. These foods are tasteless, easy to digest and help strengthen the stool.
- Yogurts: Yogurt is good for preparing food that needs to be cleaned out to prevent it: yogurt is rich in probiotics (good bacteria) and can help restore balance in the digestive system.
- Broths and soups: They are gentle on the stomach and can add extra fluids.
What to avoid:
- Fried or fatty foods: These are hard to digest and can make diarrhea worse.
- Sugary foods and drinks: Sweet drinks, such as fruit juices or sodas, can irritate the intestines and make diarrhea worse.
3. Rest and comfort
Diarrhea can be tiring for a child. Give your child as much rest as possible and make sure he or she is comfortable.
4. When to see a doctor
In most cases, diarrhea in children is mild and goes away within a day or two. However, there are some symptoms that should prompt you to see a doctor:
- Persistent diarrhea: If it lasts more than 3 days or gets worse.
- Severe dehydration: if your child shows symptoms such as sunken eyes, dry mouth or not wetting for several hours.
- High fever: If your child has a temperature higher than 38°C.
- Blood in the stool or black stools.
- Severe abdominal pain or vomiting.
Diarrhoea in children should not usually always cause fear and stress in parents, yet it is an important topic. It is essential to know the first steps of home first aid for diarrhea in a child and remember to seek medical attention if the condition worsens.