The Diarrhoea Dilemma

Many infants and children are affected by diarrhoea at some point. The most common cause of acute diarrhoea is viral gastroenteritis, which is the inflammation of the stomach and intestines caused by a virus called Rotavirus.

According to a recent nationwide survey, this virus was the leading cause of severe diarrhoea resulting in more than 2686 cases in Malaysian children.

In fact, two infants, 2 and 10 months, have died from a Rotavirus infection in Perak early in February this year.

This virus can cause death if its symptoms are not managed properly. Discover ways to recognize and cure these symptoms before they lead to further complications.

Early detection

It is normal for infected children to have an increase in stool frequency to twice the usual number per day. This may be accompanied by cramps, abdominal pain and loss of bowel control. If diarrhoea lasts for more than two days, your child will be at risk of further dehydration, which may be dangerous in children with weakened immune systems. The following signs associated with diarrhoea indicate dehydration and need to be consulted with a doctor:

• Lethargy or irritability
• High fever
• No wet diapers for 3 hours or more (for infants)
• Absence of tears when crying
• Sunken eyes
• Sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the head of infants)

Seek immediate medical attention if the presence of blood in stools is visible.

Think prevention!

Rotavirus infection is a highly contagious disease. Children can transmit the virus when they forget to wash their hands before eating or after using the toilet. Rotavirus can survive for days on hard and dry surfaces, and it can live for hours on human hands. Although there is no specific treatment for rotavirus, the following are some simple recommendations to prevent viral infections at home.

• Practise good hygiene. Ensure that both you and your child wash your hands well and often, especially after using the toilet and before eating
• Make sure that you serve well-cooked foods and serve them immediately after cooking
• Wash thoroughly any raw fruits and vegetables
• Be extra cautious when it comes to buying prepared foods from street hawkers
• Train your child to avoid drinking water straight from the tap.

Vaccination – a smart decision

Because improved sanitation does not necessarily decrease the prevalence of the rotavirus disease, and the rate of hospitalisations remains high, despite the use of oral rehydrating medicines, the most effective public health intervention is vaccination. The rotavirus vaccine is available as an optional vaccine in most health practices in Malaysia. The vaccine is given orally, in 2 or 3 doses depending on the vaccine manufacturer. It can only be given to infants less than six months of age.

Ignorance may be bliss sometimes, but this does not apply to Rotavirus. Prevention is the first step, and it should happen not only when someone we care for is infected, but should be an ongoing process to help improve the overall rate of child survival from diarrhoel diseases.

Getting treated

Battling diarrhoea can be uncomfortable and unpleasant, but generally not a big deal in otherwise healthy children. However, if you’re not careful to replace lost fluids, you could find yourself complicating what could have been a simple enough situation. Below are a few remedies to keep your child healthy during this dilemma:

1. Breastfeed infants
   • For infants, breast milk remains the best option. It is a hygienic source of nutrition and contains antimicrobial factors which can help boost your baby’s immune system. If you are breastfeeding your baby, continue doing so.
2. Stay hydrated
   • Drink plenty of clear liquids in small but frequent amounts.
   • Keep your drinks cool and take frequent sips of liquid instead of guzzling down a glass at a time.
   • Give Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) to replace fluids quickly if your child can take it. Ask your doctor for advice on what kind to give, how much and for how long.
3. Avoid oily foods
   • When dealing with a brief bout of diarrhoea, you want to watch your diet and keep it bland.
4. Finally, get plenty of rest.