Acute Watery Diarrhoea In children
- It is defined as a change in the consistency of stool leading to loose liquid stool and increase in the frequency of evacuation to three or more in 24 hours, with or without fever or vomiting lasting 7 days or less.
- Frequent passing of formed stool is not diarrhea. Babies fed only on breast milk often pass loose, pasty, stool.This is also not diarrhea.
- Viruses are most common agents accounting for more than 60% cases followed by bacteria and parasites. Globally, Rota virus diarrhea remains the leading cause of diarrhea in children less then 5years.
- Water and electrolytes are lost through liquid stools, Vomit, Sweat, Urine. Dehydration occurs when these losses are not replaced.
- In most cases children with acute watery diarrhoea don’t require any diagnostic workup.
- The degree of dehydration in classified as the following
- Severe Dehydration
- Some Dehydration
- No Dehydration
ORS is the MAIN STAY of treatment
NUTRITIONAL MANAGEMENT FOR PARENTS
- Infants younger than 6 Month to continue breastfeeding and non breastfeeding not to introduce related formula.
- Regular oral feeding to the reintroduced often 4to6 hours rehydration .
- Home available fluids can be given such as rice, pulses based drink, vegetable soup with salt, lemon drink with added salt and less sugar and coconut water. Plain water can be given in between.
- Elimination of diet is usually not indicated.
- An extra meal a day with energy rich food for at least a week or two after the diarrhoea stop is advised.
IMPORTANT
- Up to date immunization especially for Rota Virus and measles help in presenting diarrhoea.
- Visit a doctor when ever your child suffers from acute watery diarrhoea.
- Never try over the counter the drugs.
Dr. DharmRaj
MBBS. MD Paeds
Emergency No. 0120 450 4400