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.
How to deal with diarrhea at home
When a child has diarrhea, parents need to make sure the child's fluid needs are fulfilled. If your child is under 6 months old, give milk or formula every time he vomits or has diarrhea.
If he is more than 6 months old, give him a rehydration drink, for example ORS. In children who have been given MPASI, make sure the intake of nutrients from food is sufficient.
Give foods that are soft and easy to digest and avoid giving fibrous food. Don't give fruit juice or soda, because it will make diarrhea worse. Parents also should not give children medicine without consulting a doctor first.
Because most diarrhea in children is caused by a virus, antibiotic drugs do not need to be given. Antibiotics are only given if diarrhea is caused by bacteria. Diarrhea due to a viral infection can resolve on its own in a few days, but still monitor the child's condition and give him adequate fluid intake.
If the symptoms of diarrhea in children get worse or there are symptoms that need to be aware of, such as shortness of breath, bowel movements, seizures, or fainting, immediately take him to the nearest hospital or clinic to get further treatment.
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