What is Infant Diarrhea
Introduction to Infant Diarrhea:
Infant diarrhea is a disorder of the gastrointestinal system in infants, characterized by diarrhea and vomiting. It has the highest incidence in the summer and autumn seasons. The causes of this disease can be divided into three factors: constitution, infection, and digestive system disorder. The main clinical manifestations are increased frequency of bowel movements, loose stools, and electrolyte imbalances. If the disease is properly treated, the outcome is usually good. However, if not treated promptly and severe electrolyte imbalances occur, it can be life-threatening for the child.
Infant diarrhea is also known as infantile indigestion. Infants under the age of 2 are prone to diarrhea all year round, but it is more common in the summer and autumn. The main clinical manifestation of infant diarrhea is diarrhea, and severe cases may lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. If not treated in a timely manner, it can have a negative impact on health and even endanger life.
According to traditional Chinese medicine, diarrhea is referred to as "xie xie." "The Yellow Emperor's Inner Canon" suggests "adapting to the four seasons and having a balanced diet" to prevent the occurrence of "xie xie." So how can we prevent it?
How to Prevent Infant Diarrhea
1. Add complementary food on time
Generally, you can start adding rice soup and vegetable soup at 2-3 months; start with porridge and egg yolk at 4-5 months; add cooked rice, chopped vegetables, and minced meat and liver paste at 6-8 months; add noodles and biscuits at 9-12 months.
2. Feed a balanced diet
The most important recommendation is breastfeeding. This is because breast milk is not only nutritious, but also contains antibodies, IgA, T lymphocytes, and human leukocyte antigen DR, which are suitable for infants' absorption and beneficial for their growth and development.
3. Be vigilant for signs of infant diarrhea
Signs include bad breath, restlessness at night, and foul-smelling stools. Bad breath in infants is often caused by stagnation of breast milk in the stomach. It is more likely to occur in the morning. When this happens, temporarily reducing or stopping the intake of food can help restore intestinal function. Restlessness at night is a manifestation of discomfort in the stomach. Avoid overeating at night. Foul-smelling stools indicate the presence of undigested residue and are a precursor to diarrhea. Food intake should be reduced, and foods that are difficult to digest should be avoided.
What Causes Infant Diarrhea? How to Treat Infant Diarrhea?
What to do for Infant Diarrhea?
When infants have diarrhea, they are prone to qi depletion and fluid loss. Improper treatment or prolonged absence of cure can lead to malnutrition. When diarrhea occurs, the first step is to control the diet and provide timely fluid replacement. Traditional Chinese medicine can also be used for treatment.
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatment for Infant Diarrhea
1. Use the formula "Shen Ling Bai Zhu San" for treatment, which includes Codonopsis pilosula, Atractylodes macrocephala, Poria cocos, Dioscorea opposita, lotus seeds, and white hyacinth beans.
2. Use a single herb for treatment: grind dried chicken intestines and baked tiles into powder, take 2 grams each time, twice a day, and take with boiling water.
3. Grind Chinese yam into powder, take 3-9 grams each time, start with small doses, and take 3-4 times a day.
For infants with mild diarrhea, parents can provide self-care. However, if the infant has severe diarrhea, it is necessary to seek medical treatment and not insist on self-treatment. Don't miss the opportunity for proper medical care.
