"What Should I Do When My Child Has Diarrhea?"
Diarrhea in children generally refers to loose bowel movements. Mild symptoms can be managed at home, while severe cases require symptomatic and etiological treatments. Here are the key points:
1. Home Management
For patients with acute non-dysentery diarrhea, oral rehydration salts (ORS) can be administered daily at home. A homemade ORS can be made by mixing 8 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1 liter of clean drinking water. Consume small amounts of this mixture frequently throughout the day to alleviate mild diarrhea.
2. Symptomatic Treatment
In cases of acute diarrhea, low-osmolarity ORS should be prescribed by a healthcare provider. For severe cases, intravenous rehydration may be necessary. Additionally, anti-diarrheal medications such as montmorillonite powder or racecadotril granules can be prescribed under medical supervision.
3. Etiological Treatment
If chronic diarrhea is caused by inflammatory bowel disease, immunosuppressants, glucocorticoids, or salicylates may be prescribed as per doctor's instructions. For lactose intolerance or chylous diarrhea, it is essential to eliminate lactose and gluten from the diet. Note that irritable bowel syndrome and chronic pancreatitis can also present similar symptoms, requiring specific treatments.
In daily life, maintain good food hygiene, avoid spicy, irritating foods, and carbonated drinks. Engage in regular exercise to enhance your immune system.
