For parents, it is important to pay extra attention to their children who are over one year old but still unable to express themselves. Diarrhea is a common occurrence in young children and it can be a cause of worry for parents. Many foods are avoided for fear of aggravating the condition, leading to malnutrition. Here are a few methods recommended by experts to treat diarrhea in young children.
The Causes of Diarrhea in Young Children
1. Weak Immune System
Children with weak immune systems are more prone to diarrhea because they have a weaker resistance against viruses and bacteria. When the intestines are infected, it is easier for them to have diarrhea.
2. Overfeeding
Feeding children too much can also lead to diarrhea.
3. Allergies
Allergies can also cause diarrhea in children, so parents need to pay extra attention in their daily lives.
Methods Recommended by Experts to Treat Diarrhea in Young Children
1. Replenish Fluids in a Timely Manner
It is important to replenish fluids in order to prevent dehydration caused by diarrhea. Water, rice soup, and fruit juice can be given at any time, but it is best to use oral rehydration salts. Oral rehydration salts contain glucose, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, and sodium citrate, which can replenish the electrolytes and fluids lost due to diarrhea and vomiting, and regulate the body's water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance.
2. Disinfect Furniture and Utensils
When taking care of children with infectious diarrhea, it is important to disinfect and isolate furniture, cups, and bottles. Clothes should be washed and dried frequently. After taking care of the sick child, hands should be washed thoroughly before doing other things.
3. Prevent Diaper Rash
After each bowel movement, the child's diaper should be changed promptly, and the anus and surrounding area should be rinsed with warm water to prevent diaper rash and urinary tract infections. If diaper rash has already developed, tannic acid ointment or fish liver oil with chloramphenicol can be applied.
4. Adjust the Diet
When a child has diarrhea, it is important to adjust their diet and avoid adding new complementary foods. The diet for children with diarrhea should be adjusted accordingly: adjust the diet and continue to eat.
What Should Parents Pay Attention to in Terms of the Child's Diet
1. Common Diarrhea
If the child has mild diarrhea and is not dehydrated, there is no need to change their diet significantly. The food should be light, soft, and delicate.
Foods such as egg custard, fish, lean meat, pumpkin, potatoes, yam, carrots, bananas, and vegetables can be eaten.
2. Severe Diarrhea
If the child has watery stools every 1-2 hours, frequent vomiting, and poor mental state, it can be considered severe diarrhea.
In this case, fasting for 5-6 hours (but not restricting water) and small frequent feedings of rehydration solution are recommended. The milk should be diluted and fed after the child has improved. Solid foods should be gradually reintroduced, starting with small amounts and gradually increasing the thickness. If the vomiting is infrequent and the child can tolerate eating, try feeding small amounts multiple times to reduce stomach reactions.
As long as there is no vomiting and the gastrointestinal tract can tolerate it, foods such as rice porridge, soft noodles, minced meat, tomatoes, carrots, pumpkin, apples, and bananas can be eaten. If vomiting occurs, do not feed anything for at least half an hour after vomiting.
