DIARRHOEA IN CHILDREN

Diarrhoea is the condition of having frequent loose or liquid bowel movements. It is the passing of watery stools more than three times a day. It is often a symptom of an infection or acute/long-term condition.
Diarrhoea can either be:
• acute: diarrhoea that comes on suddenly, and lasts for five to 10 days, or
• chronic: diarrhoea that lasts for more than two weeks.
Acute diarrhea is a common cause of death in developing countries and the second most common cause of infant deaths worldwide. The loss of fluids through diarrhea can cause severe dehydration which is one cause of death in diarrhea sufferers. Along with water, sufferers also lose dangerous amounts of important salts, electrolytes, and other nutrients.
What causes diarrhoea?
Acute diarrhoea is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and affects almost everyone from time to time.
Rotavirus is the major cause of paediatric severe diarrhoea worldwide. Live attenuated vaccines, shown to be highly effective where they have been so far trialed, are increasingly being implemented within universal infant immunization schedules.
How common is it?
Diarrhoea and vomiting is very common, especially in children. A baby or toddler will probably have diarrhoea and vomiting two or three times a year.
How serious is it?
Diarrhoea usually clears up in a couple of days and is not serious. However, it can be serious in babies and the elderly because of the risk of dehydration.
If diarrhoea is persistent or there are other symptoms, such as bleeding, see your General Practitioner
If your child is between three months and one year old, diarrhoea should last no longer than 48 hours.
Symptomatic treatment for diarrhea involves the patient consuming adequate amounts of water to replace that loss, preferably mixed with electrolytes to provide essential salts and some amount of nutrients. For many people, further treatment is Symptomatic treatment for diarrhea involves the patient consuming adequate amounts of water to replace that loss, preferably mixed with electrolytes to provide essential salts and some amount of nutrients. For many people, further treatment is unnecessary.
The following types of diarrhea indicate medical supervision is require
• Diarrhea in institutions such as hospitals, child care centers, or geriatric and convalescent homes.
• Diarrhea in infants
• Moderate or severe diarrhea in young children;
• Diarrhea associated with blood
• Diarrhea that continues for more than two days;
• Diarrhea that is associated with more general illness such as non-cramping abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, etc;
In many cases of diarrhea, replacing lost fluid and salts is the only treatment needed. This is usually by mouth – oral rehydration therapy – or, in very severe cases, intravenouslyi.e through the vein.