اسهال در نوزادان و کودکان نوپا، فراتر از یک اختلال گوارشی ساده است؛ این وضعیت یک هشدار برای والدین است تا نظارت بر میزان آب بدن کودک را دوچندان کنند. According to the statistics of the World Health Organization, diarrhea is the second most common cause of illness in children under five years of age, and the key to its successful treatment is the speed of action of parents in replacing lost fluids.
But when should we worry? Is it permissible to use antibiotics or antidiarrheal drugs without a prescription? How should the child's nutrition be during this period? In this article, while examining the main causes of diarrhea, we will examine the standard treatment protocols and danger signs that require an immediate visit to the emergency room so that you can manage your child's health with full knowledge. or completely liquid; so that it is clearly different from the natural pattern of child excretion. The main criterion for diagnosing diarrhea is a change from the same child's usual condition, not just the number of bowel movements. Diarrhea can be short-term and mild, or if it is persistent and severe, it causes the body to lose water and solutes and lead to dehydration, especially in infants and young children. In general, if the child's stool is looser, waterier and more frequent than usual, it can be said that the child has diarrhea. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines diarrhea as passing loose or liquid stools three times or more during 24 hours.
The cause of children's diarrhea
Diarrhea in children is one of the most common digestive problems, which is usually seen as an increase in the frequency of loose or watery stools and can cause weakness, lethargy and, if continued, lead to dehydration. This problem may appear suddenly and for a short time, or in some cases, it may continue for a long time. Parents' awareness of the causes of diarrhea and paying attention to warning signs play an important role in preventing complications and timely treatment of the child.
- 🔴 Viral, bacterial or parasitic infections
- 🔴 Food poisoning and consumption of contaminated food
- 🔴 Intolerance or food sensitivity (such as lactose)
- 🔴 Taking certain medications, especially antibiotics
- 🔴 Sudden change in diet or starting to eat Auxiliary
- 🔴 High consumption of juices and sweet foods
- 🔴 Some digestive diseases such as celiac disease or intestinal inflammation
In the end, it should be noted that most cases of diarrhea in children are mild and transitory and can be cured with simple care at home, but neglecting it can cause dehydration and weakness in the child. Providing enough fluids, maintaining hygiene and proper nutrition play an important role in faster recovery. If the diarrhea becomes severe or prolonged, accompanied by fever, frequent vomiting or blood in the stool, or if the child experiences lethargy and decreased urination, it is necessary to see a doctor to prevent serious complications. It does not cause true diarrhea (very watery and frequent stools) by itself. In fact, this misunderstanding comes from the fact that the child takes contaminated hands or toys to the mouth to relieve the itching of his gums, and the entry of microbes in this way causes a digestive infection; Also, swallowing large amounts of saliva during this period may make stools a little looser (rather than watery), so it is very important that parents never mistake high fever or severe diarrhea for teething and be sure to look for the underlying cause of the illness. Nutrition is created. In such cases, if the general condition of the child is good and there are no warning signs, he can be helped to recover with proper care at home. Home treatment of children's diarrhea focuses more on compensating the lost fluids, preventing dehydration and maintaining proper nutrition, because dehydration is the most important and dangerous complication of diarrhea in children. Paying attention to the child's symptoms, observing hygiene and avoiding the arbitrary use of drugs play an important role in shortening the course of the disease and preventing possible complications. In small and frequent sips, especially after each bout of diarrhea.
Most cases of children's diarrhea can be controlled by following simple and correct home treatments and are resolved without the need for drugs. The most important thing is to provide enough fluids and prevent dehydration, which plays a major role in the child's recovery. However, if the diarrhea becomes severe or prolonged, the child has lethargy, high fever, frequent vomiting or decreased urination, or the child is young, it is necessary to see a doctor to prevent serious complications. Depending on the cause of diarrhea, the doctor may use zinc supplements to reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea, probiotics to restore the balance of beneficial intestinal bacteria, or appropriate antibiotics if certain infections are confirmed. Self-administering antidiarrheal medications to children, especially infants, can be dangerous and is not recommended, as it may aggravate the infection or cause complications. In all cases, along with drug treatment, fluid replacement and prevention of dehydration are still the most important part of treating diarrhea in children.
Quick treatment of children's diarrhea
Quick treatment of children's diarrhea is based on preventing dehydration and supporting the digestive system, and in many cases it is possible without the need for medication. The most important measure is the regular consumption of ORS solution in small and frequent sips to compensate for the lost water and salts, along with that, it is recommended to continue feeding the child with light and easily digestible foods such as rice, bananas and simple soup. Continued breastfeeding in babies, avoiding juices and sweet or fatty foods, adequate rest and maintaining hygiene play an important role in shortening the duration of diarrhea. If the diarrhea is severe or accompanied by warning symptoms, it is necessary to see a doctor quickly for examination and treatment.
Dangerous signs and symptoms of diarrhea in children
Diarrhea in children is often mild and transitory, but in some cases it can be a sign of a serious illness or lead to dangerous complications such as severe dehydration. Children, especially babies, get dehydrated faster due to low fluid reserves, and for this reason, it is very important to recognize warning signs in time. Parents' awareness of the dangerous signs of diarrhea helps to seek medical care at the right time and prevent more serious problems.
- 🔴 Symptoms of dehydration: Dry mouth and lips, crying without tears, decreased or stopped urinating, sunken eyes
- 🔴 Lethargy or abnormal sleepiness and decrease in level Consciousness
- 🔴 High fever or persistent fever (especially above 38.5 degrees)
- 🔴 Presence of blood or mucus in the stool
- 🔴 Frequent vomiting so that the child cannot keep liquids
- 🔴 Severe and watery diarrhea that lasts for more than 3-5 days
- 🔴 Severe abdominal pain or Unjustified crying
- 🔴 Rapid weight loss
- 🔴 Diarrhea in babies under 6 months
In the end, it should be emphasized that paying attention to the warning signs of diarrhea in children can play a vital role in maintaining their health. Although most cases of diarrhea resolve with simple care, ignoring the warning signs can lead to severe dehydration and serious complications. If you see any of these symptoms, it is necessary to see a doctor or medical center quickly so that the right treatment can be done at the right time.
Symptoms of severe diarrhea in children
Severe diarrhea in children is a condition in which the frequency of defecation increases significantly and the stool becomes completely watery, and is usually accompanied by general alarming symptoms. In this situation, the child may suffer from dehydration, which manifests itself with symptoms such as dry mouth and lips, reduction or cessation of urination, crying without tears, and sunken eyes. Severe lethargy, drowsiness or reduced level of consciousness, high fever, frequent vomiting and inability to keep fluids are other important symptoms. Also, the presence of blood or mucus in the stool, severe abdominal pain, weakness, abnormal restlessness and rapid weight loss can indicate the severity of diarrhea and require immediate medical examination and treatment. Severe lethargy, drowsiness, or loss of consciousness
Severe diarrhea in children is a serious condition and should not be ignored, because it can quickly cause severe dehydration and general body weakness. Early detection of symptoms and timely action play an important role in preventing dangerous complications. If you see any of the symptoms of severe diarrhea, it is necessary to see a doctor or medical center immediately so that the appropriate treatment can be carried out as soon as possible.
Are probiotics effective in treating diarrhea in children?
Yes, Probiotics can be effective in treating diarrhea in children, especially in diarrhea caused by viral infections or the use of antibiotics. By helping to restore the balance of beneficial gut bacteria, probiotics can reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea and help the digestive system recover more quickly. Of course, their effect depends on the type of probiotic, the dosage and the age of the child, and they should not replace the main treatment such as taking ORS. Probiotics are usually safe to take, but it is best to use them with a doctor's opinion and according to the child's condition, especially in infants or children who have an underlying disease.
When is a child's diarrhea dangerous?
Diarrhea in children is often a common and temporary problem, but in some cases it can quickly turn into a dangerous condition. Because the body of children, especially infants, has less fluid reserves, the loss of water and solutes due to diarrhea may soon cause severe dehydration. For this reason, recognizing the times when a child's diarrhea needs immediate medical examination and treatment is very important to maintain the child's health. high fever or continuous fever.
| Dehydration | Lethargy or extreme sleepiness |
| High or persistent fever | Presence of blood in stool |
| Presence of mucus in stool | Frequent vomiting |
| Inability to eat or drink | Severe and watery diarrhea |
| Persistence of diarrhea for more than 3 to 5 days | Severe abdominal pain |
| Reduced or stopped urination | Weight loss |
| Diarrhea in babies under 6 months | Seizures or abnormal body tremors |
Observing any of the dangerous symptoms of diarrhea in children is a sign that the child's condition needs attention It is serious and should not be limited to home remedies. Timely action and quick visit to the doctor can prevent severe dehydration, weakness and other serious complications. Parents' vigilance and quick follow-up play an important role in maintaining the child's health and faster recovery.
How many days does diarrhea in children last?
Duration of diarrhea in children usually depends on its cause. In most cases of viral diarrhea, it lasts between 3 and 7 days and gradually improves with home care. Mild diarrhea caused by a change in diet or teething is usually shorter and resolves within 1 to 3 days. On the other hand, bacterial or parasitic diarrhea may last longer and sometimes last more than a week and require medical examination and treatment. If the child's diarrhea continues for more than 3 to 5 days or is accompanied by dangerous symptoms such as high fever, blood in the stool, frequent vomiting or signs of dehydration, it is necessary to see a doctor.
When does a child's diarrhea need to be hospitalized?
A child's diarrhea needs to be hospitalized when the severity of the disease is such that it endangers the general health of the child or the possibility of effective treatment at home. do not exist In cases such as severe dehydration, lethargy and reduced level of consciousness, frequent vomiting that prevents drinking fluids, high fever or presence of blood in the stool, hospitalization to receive fluids and medical care is necessary. Also, young infants or children who do not respond to home treatments need to be examined and treated under the supervision of a doctor in the hospital to prevent serious complications.
Summary
To sum up, diarrhea in children is one of the most common gastrointestinal problems that are often mild and transitory and improve with proper care at home, but in some cases it can quickly turn into a dangerous situation. Accurately knowing the causes of diarrhea, being aware of warning signs, paying attention to the signs of dehydration and taking timely action to compensate for fluids play an essential role in preventing complications. Home remedies such as taking ORS, proper nutrition and maintaining good hygiene are usually sufficient, but in case of severe symptoms, prolonged diarrhea or the need for medical treatment and hospitalization, it is necessary to see a doctor quickly. Parents' vigilance and timely follow-up are considered the most important factors in maintaining the health and faster recovery of children with diarrhea. lost with ORS solution to prevent dehydration.
No in most cases and it is prescribed only with the doctor's opinion in special circumstances.
Yes, infectious diarrheas, especially viral ones, can be spread through hand contact, contaminated utensils or shared food.
No, if the child does not have a high fever or severe weakness, a short bath with lukewarm water is not a problem.
Some vaccines may temporarily cause mild diarrhea, which is usually short-lived.
Yes, stress and anxiety can cause transient diarrhea in some children.
Yes, frequent or prolonged diarrhea may indicate underlying digestive problems.