Diarrhea is the most common disease in infants and young children in autumn, and diarrhea is only one of the symptoms of the disease. If not taken care of properly, there may also be cases of cold and vomiting. So what are the causes of childhood diarrhea in autumn? Let's find out together below.
Causes of Childhood Diarrhea in Autumn
1. Immature Digestive System
Infants and young children have immature digestive systems with poor enzyme activity, but they have relatively high nutritional needs and heavy intestinal burden. Improper feeding, such as excessive consumption of starch and fat, changes in composition, or overeating can cause digestive disorders and lead to diarrhea.
2. Immature Immune Function
The nervous system, endocrine system, circulatory system, liver, kidney function, etc., are not fully developed in infants and young children, and their regulatory functions are poor. Their immune function is also not mature enough. When pathogenic bacteria enter the body with contaminated food, diarrhea can easily occur.
3. Large Temperature Difference
Autumn temperatures fluctuate greatly, with sudden changes between cold and hot. Climate changes can cause colds, abdominal exposure to cold, and various infections, which can also lead to diarrhea.
4. Improper Feeding
Drinking excessive beverages or cold drinks in hot weather, or parents who take care of infants giving them cold water for milk, can increase the gastrointestinal burden of infants, resulting in diarrhea as a direct consequence.
Nursing Care for Childhood Diarrhea in Autumn
1. Control Diet
If there is severe vomiting, fasting for a few hours can be done temporarily, but water should not be restricted. After improvement, feeding can be resumed gradually, starting with small amounts and thin consistency. Infants who are breastfeeding can continue breastfeeding and temporarily suspend complementary foods. If secondary lactase deficiency is suspected, milk feeding can be temporarily stopped or lactose-free formula can be used to reduce diarrhea and shorten the duration of the illness.
2. Replenish Fluids
Feed small amounts of homemade diluted salt water or rice soup multiple times to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance. Oral rehydration salts diluted in equal amounts can also be taken as needed.
3. Keep Abdomen Warm
Add appropriate clothing to the child or use a large mask or belly protector to cover the infant's umbilical area.
4. Protect the Buttocks
Due to increased frequency of bowel movements, the skin around the anus may be damaged to varying degrees. Parents should gently wipe with soft toilet paper after the child has a bowel movement, or gently wash with wet gauze. After washing, apply some oily ointment to prevent diaper rash and change diapers promptly to avoid rupture.
Massage Treatment for Childhood Diarrhea
1. Tonify the Spleen Meridian
The child sits upright or lies on the back, and the index and middle fingers clamp the child's thumb, pushing about 300 times from the fingertip to the base of the thumb.
2. Massage the Abdomen
Use the palm or the pad of the middle and ring fingers to apply pressure and make clockwise or counterclockwise circular strokes on the child's abdomen (30 seconds clockwise, 1 minute counterclockwise).
3. Push the Seven Lumbar Vertebrae
Use the thumb radial side to push in a straight line from the end of the child's coccyx along the spine to the fourth lumbar vertebrae, 200 times. When pushing, the force should be in a straight line in one direction, and the movement should be fast.
4. Massage the Baby's Spine
Let the baby lie on the bed, expose the back, and use the thumbs, index fingers, and middle fingers of both hands to gently pinch the skin from the coccyx, slowly pinching and grasping forward until reaching the Fengchi acupoint on the neck, pinch and grasp continuously from the bottom to the top nine times. It is best to do it once in the morning and evening.
