Parents must be worried when the child has diarrhea. Some parents can even panic and point things as the culprit. But actually, what are the causes of diarrhea in children? Is diarrhea in children dangerous? Then, how to overcome it?
Diarrhea is a condition characterized by increased frequency of bowel movements to be 3 times or more a day, with more liquid stool. A report from the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that around 525,000 children under five die every year due to diarrhea.
Most diarrhea in children under five is caused by a viral infection. Other causes are bacterial and parasitic infections. Conditions that are the main triggers of diarrhea in children due to this infection are environmental hygiene and poor sanitation.
Apart from infection, diarrhea in children can also be caused by allergies, food poisoning, impaired food absorption, and side effects of drugs.
Symptoms of Diarrhea in Children
In addition to more frequent bowel movements and diarrhea, diarrhea can be accompanied by flatulence, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal pain, and weakness. When diarrhea, the body loses fluids and electrolytes very quickly. This is because the digestive tract is difficult to absorb fluids and electrolytes. Diarrhea that is not treated properly can cause dehydration. Compared to adults, children are more prone to dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause loss of consciousness, seizures, brain damage, and even death. In order to be treated immediately before severe dehydration occurs, parents need to be aware of the signs of dehydration in children, namely:- Looks weak and pale.
- Sunken eyes.
- Very thirsty.
- Mouth and dry lips.
- The body feels cold.
- Small amount of urine or dark yellow brown color.
- When crying, tears are few or none at all.
- Drowsiness constantly.
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