Table of Contents
What is Diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea or Loose-motion is a condition when a child starts passing loose, watery and frequent stool. It is the body’s way of getting rid of germs.
Diarrhoea in babies causes frequent loose stools which are often worried to be loose motion. This post outlines the causes, symptoms and preventive measures of diarrhoea in children.
Causes of Diarrhoea
In children, the loose motion is caused by,
- Infection-causing germs
- Intolerance to certain foods
- Antibiotics
Infection -causing germs
Infection causing Germs to enter the body through contaminated food/water. There are 3 types of infectious germs which causes loose motion namely Virus, Bacteria and Parasite.
Virus: Rotaviruses are the most common cause of loose motion in young children and infants. Once a child is infected he/she develops the immunity to get rid of the infection later which would be less severe. Rotaviruses spread easily from children to children.
Bacteria: Bacterial diarrhoea is usually caused by contaminated food/water. These diarrhoeas are usually self-limiting. Common bacteria that cause diarrhoea include Campylobacter, Escherichia coli (E.coli), Salmonella, and Shigella. Bacterial diarrhoeas are cured by taking antibiotics.
Parasitic Infection: Parasitic infections are caused by contaminated food/water/soil. Parasites such as Giardia lamblia and cryptosporidium can cause diarrhoea.
Intolerance to certain foods
Change in your child’s diet can cause allergy which results in diarrhoea. So when introducing solids to your child check for food allergens.
Antibiotics
Antibiotics can cause diarrhoea. If you are a feeding
Symptoms of Diarrhoea in Child
Consult your doctor immediately if diarrhoea has not improved within 24 hrs. Also if diarrhoea is accompanied with the following symptoms,
- Dehydration
- Fever above 102
- Vomiting
- Stomach pain
- Bloody, green or black stools
- Bloating
Prevention of Diarrhoea in Babies
For a breastfeeding child
- Continue breastfeeding.
- Wash your hands with soap after changing the baby’s diaper.
- Wash your hands with soap after cleaning baby’s poo.
- Wash your hands before and after preparing baby’s feed.
- Wash the cloth immediately in which the baby has pooped.
- If it is diaper wrap it tightly and put it in sealed trash or cover.
- Rotavirus vaccine.
In general
- Breastfeed at least for 6 months
- Wash hands often
- Offer safe drinking water
- Maintain proper sanitation and hygiene
- Prevent your child from putting dirty things in the mouth
- Offer Nutritious diet