Diarrhoea In Children

Your child has diarrhoea when he passes loose, watery stools more frequently than usual. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has reported that it is one of the leading causes of illness among young children worldwide, including Malaysia. Therefore, as parents, it is important that you know a bit about the treatment and prevention of diarrhoea.

What Causes Diarrhoea?

Poor digestion and absorption can lead to increased amounts of water in the intestine, and this can lead to diarrhoea. Also, diarrhoea may occur due to the colonic lining’s decreased ability to absorb fluid, resulting in watery stools. Diarrhoea may last several days to a week. Below are several common causes of diarrhoea:

• Infections

A variety of viruses (e.g. rotavirus), bacteria (e.g. Escherichia coli and Salmonella) and parasites can cause diarrhoea. These germs are mainly picked up through contact with contaminated surfaces, consumption of untreated or contaminated water and unpasteurised milk as well as consumption of contaminated or improperly cooked foods. Cholera caused by a bacteria, Vibro cholerae, also presents with diarrhoea.

• Food Intolerance

Food intolerance happens when the child develops a reaction towards certain ingredients of food. Diarrhoea is usually the most common symptom of food intolerance, although it can be accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting, skin rashes and wheezing. Cow’s milk, egg white and wheat are examples of food that can cause food intolerance.

• Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is an intestinal disorder that is linked with diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation or a combination of these symptoms. Your child’s intestines may be overly sensitive to food and stress if he has IBS.

Beware of Dehydration!

Children who experience diarrhoea are more vulnerable to dehydration, which may be life-threatening if taken lightly. The primary concern is to make sure that your child stays hydrated. Owing to frequent watery bowel movements, he loses significant amounts of water and salts, which can be life threatening, particularly in young children.

Your child may be suffering from dehydration, if he displays any of the following:

• Sunken eyes.
• Sunken fontanelles in a baby.
• Dry, wrinkled skin.
• Little or no tears when crying.
• Reduced urine.
• Lethargy or irritability.
• Fatigue or dizziness.

To prevent the development of dehydration, try taking these steps:

• Give your child plenty of clear liquids to drink in small but frequent amounts.
• Give your child Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) to replace fluids quickly.
• Feed your child his regular diet if he is not vomiting.
• Avoid giving your child foods that are oily, fried or highly seasoned, for a few days.

Bring your child to the doctor if your child is very young or if he is dehydrated.

Diarrhoea Prevention Tips:

• Practise good hygiene. Ensure that both you and your child wash your hands well and often, especially after using the toilet and before preparing food, and before eating.
• Make sure that you serve your child well-cooked foods and serve food right away after it has been cooked or reheated.
• Wash thoroughly any raw fruits and vegetables that you’re planning to serve your child.
  Be extra cautious when it comes to buying prepared foods from street hawkers.
• Teach your child to avoid drinking water straight from the tap.

REMINDER: The self-administration of anti-diarrhoeal and anti-vomiting drugs is not recommended when it comes to treating diarrhoea in children. See a doctor.