Heatstroke is a common occurrence during the hot summer months, as various vegetables and fruits are abundant. These items are often sprayed with pesticides, which can cause diarrhea when consumed. However, this is not the only cause. For example, drinking beer and eating crayfish in the summer can also cause gastrointestinal discomfort and diarrhea. These factors mainly affect adults. Summer is also the peak season for babies to experience diarrhea. Unlike viral diarrhea in the fall, summer diarrhea in babies is mostly caused by bacterial infections, and the prevention and treatment methods are different. Since the majority of cases can be treated at home, parents should have a good understanding of summer diarrhea in babies. What are the reasons for the peak period of diarrhea in babies in the summer? How should we deal with diarrhea in babies during the summer? What should we pay attention to when babies have diarrhea? And how can we prevent diarrhea in babies during the summer? Today, I will share some common knowledge about summer diarrhea in babies with you.
Causes of diarrhea in babies during the summer
1. The hot climate in the summer is the breeding season for bacteria. For example, at a temperature of 30°C, the number of Shigella bacteria in rice, meat, watermelon, and cucumber can increase by up to 10,000 times within 8 hours.
2. The baby's digestive system is not yet mature, and their local infection resistance is weak. Combined with rapid growth and high nutritional needs, their gastrointestinal tract is burdened and easily affected by external environmental factors, leading to diarrhea.
3. The secretion of digestive enzymes in babies is limited during the summer, making it difficult for them to digest food. The hot weather can reduce the secretion of digestive fluids and enzymes, making digestion and diarrhea more likely to occur. Additionally, drinking too many beverages in the summer can dilute stomach acid and reduce digestion and bactericidal capabilities, making it easier to get infected by bacteria.
4. Flies and cockroaches tend to multiply during the summer, and they are important carriers of diarrhea-causing bacteria.
5. If your baby experiences diarrhea during or after antibiotic treatment, it may be related to the medication. Consult your doctor to see if you can switch to other medications or therapies.
6. Gastroenteritis (also known as stomach flu) is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, which can cause diarrhea in infants, children, and adults. Gastroenteritis is common and can be caused by many different viruses. The most common pathogen causing diarrhea is rotavirus, which infects half of the infants hospitalized for diarrhea and is more prevalent in late autumn and early winter. If your baby has diarrhea accompanied by stomach cramps, vomiting, and low-grade fever, it is likely to be gastroenteritis. Note that if your baby eats or drinks very little, they may lose a lot of fluids.
7. Drinking too much fruit juice (especially juice containing sorbitol and high concentrations of fructose) or sugary drinks can also cause discomfort and loose stools in babies. It usually takes about a week for the situation to improve if you reduce the intake of these foods. It is not recommended to give juice to babies under 6 months old. After 6 months, the daily intake of juice should not exceed approximately 113-170 milliliters. Improper preparation of formula milk can also cause diarrhea in babies, so you should follow the instructions and use the correct water-to-powder ratio.
8. Milk allergy is not uncommon and can cause diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. If your baby is allergic to milk, they may show symptoms of allergy within minutes to hours after consuming formula milk or dairy products (if they have started eating solid foods). If you suspect that your baby's diarrhea is related to milk, consult your doctor for detailed advice.
Things to note when treating diarrhea in babies during the summer
1. Babies with diarrhea lose a lot of fluids, so it is important to replenish them in a timely manner. Oral rehydration salt (ORS) is the most economical, convenient, and scientifically recommended method of fluid supplementation by the World Health Organization. Each packet of ORS contains sugar, salt, and baking soda, which should be mixed with warm water to make a 500ml solution. Parents can also make their own ORS by adding 1.75 grams of table salt (about half a bottle cap) and 20 grams of glucose to 500ml of rice soup, which has the same effect. Just be patient and feed the solution spoon by spoon to the child, as it can act as an alternative to intravenous fluid therapy.
2. When babies have diarrhea, parents often choose to use antibiotics. However, not all summer diarrhea in babies is caused by bacteria, and improper use of medication can kill off normal bacteria in the intestines, causing an imbalance in the gut microbiota and worsening diarrhea. Parents can try using ecological agents such as Bifidobacterium infantis and Lactobacillus plantarum, which can help promote the growth of normal gut bacteria and inhibit the growth of pathogenic bacteria. If the diarrhea is indeed caused by bacterial infection, consult a doctor for appropriate medication instead of making decisions on your own.
3. Misconceptions about treating diarrhea in babies during the summer
In the past, it was recommended to withhold food when treating diarrhea in babies to give their gastrointestinal tract a rest. However, it is now believed that fasting can increase intestinal motility and worsen diarrhea due to the baby being in a state of hunger. Therefore, it is important to supplement the baby with foods rich in water content during diarrhea. If the baby is willing to eat, you can give them diluted milk, porridge, egg soup, lotus root powder, etc.
Several suggestions for preventing summer diarrhea in babies
1. Breastfeeding is recommended as it contains various digestive enzymes and antibodies, has high nutritional value, and is easily digested and absorbed. Therefore, do not rush to wean the baby in the summer.
2. For formula-fed babies, pay attention to the cleanliness of feeding utensils. Boil and sterilize them daily, and cover them after sterilization. If possible, it is best to use a bowl and spoon for feeding. Bottles are easily contaminated and difficult to clean and sterilize, especially rubber nipples, which are prone to bacterial contamination.
3. Cultivate the baby's hygiene habits, such as washing hands before meals and after using the bathroom, avoiding drinking untreated water, avoiding eating spoiled food, and washing raw fruits and vegetables before consumption. Regularly clean and disinfect the baby's toys. The baby should also wash their hands frequently and avoid sucking on dirty fingers.
4. A refrigerator is not a "safe" place. Even if food is stored in the refrigerator, there is still a possibility of spoilage and bacterial contamination. Thoroughly heat the food before consumption.
5. Regularly clean the home water dispenser. If not cleaned regularly, it can become a source of infection for the baby's diarrhea.
6. Diarrhea can cause diaper dermatitis and urinary tract infections. It is important to change diapers promptly after the baby has a bowel movement and wash the anal and buttock area with warm water. In the summer, it is appropriate to expose the baby's buttocks and apply diaper cream to protect the skin.
How to care for a baby with diarrhea
1. Once you notice that your baby has severe diarrhea, seek medical advice to determine the cause of the diarrhea. Diarrhea is generally classified as bacterial infection, chill-induced diarrhea, breastfeeding-related diarrhea, or hunger-induced diarrhea. However, it is not scientific or safe to choose medication blindly. Once the cause of the diarrhea is identified, appropriate medication can be given with attention to the dosage. However, if possible, it is best to avoid medication.
2. Drink plenty of water. Babies with diarrhea generally experience symptoms of dehydration, so it is crucial to replenish the lost fluids in a timely manner. The principle is to offer small amounts of water frequently. If the baby does not like using a bottle, you can try using a spoon to feed them or add a small amount of glucose to improve the taste, as long as the baby drinks water.
3. Ensure sufficient sleep. Adequate sleep is an important factor in maintaining overall health for both adults and children. When a baby is not feeling well, it is important to find ways to let them sleep more. Better mental state helps in faster recovery from diarrhea.
4. Ensure cleanliness of bottles and utensils. It is possible for babies to develop diarrhea due to bacterial residues in bottles and utensils. Therefore, regardless of the baby's discomfort, it is important to boil and sterilize bottles and utensils daily, and sterilize them with hot water before each use. Pay special attention to hygiene and disinfection, especially when the baby's resistance is weakened after developing diarrhea.
5. Abdominal massage. Many mothers are not aware of pediatric massage, but it is an economical and safe therapy. After a baby develops diarrhea, massage their abdomen every two hours by using the palm to gently massage counterclockwise for five minutes, focusing on the umbilical area. Remember, it should be counterclockwise! Clockwise massage is used for aiding digestion.
6. Reduce outdoor activities. Babies with diarrhea already have weakened resistance, and going outdoors, especially in public places with a higher concentration of bacteria, can further hinder their recovery. Additionally, outdoor environments often lack favorable conditions for rest, which is not beneficial for a baby's recovery.
7. For babies who have started eating solid foods, their diet should be light. Especially for babies over one year old who consume salted food, it is important to avoid eating foods containing salt as much as possible. Salt not only increases the burden on the kidneys but also increases thirst, which is not conducive to a baby's recovery.
8. Breastfeeding mothers should ensure the cleanliness of their nipples. Sometimes, a baby's diarrhea can be related to the mother's nipples not being cleaned properly. After each breastfeeding session, use a dedicated towel to wipe the nipples clean. Breastfeeding mothers know that what they eat is essentially what the baby eats, so during the baby's diarrhea period, it is important to pay attention to their own diet. The diet should be light, and it is best to avoid cold and spicy foods throughout the entire breastfeeding period.
9. Prevention is key. Sometimes, it is the carelessness of adults that leads to the infection of babies with bacteria. Therefore, parents should wash their hands with soap before holding the baby. Older family members should change certain habits such as using their own chopsticks or spoons to feed the baby or directly putting food into the baby's mouth without washing hands. Proper care is the cornerstone of nurturing, and using scientific methods to take care of our little angels is necessary. I wish every adorable baby grows up healthy and happy!
So, now you know a lot of knowledge about summer diarrhea in babies. Do you know these common knowledge as a new mom?
