Diarrhea is a common problem among children, and as a parent, it can be a stressful time. Diarrhoea can cause dehydration and can lead to more serious health problems if not treated promptly. Often time it is self-limiting and would stop on its own, but when it doesn’t quit in a day or two, then it’s now a problem. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to take care of your child and help them recover quickly. In this article, we will cover the five best ways to take care of children experiencing diarrhea.
Here are 5 ways to effectively manage diarrhea in children
1. Offer Plenty of Fluids
One of the most important things you can do when your child has diarrhea is to make sure they stay hydrated. Diarrhea can cause your child to lose a lot of fluids, which can quickly lead to dehydration. To prevent this, offer your child plenty of fluids throughout the day. Water, clear broths, and fruit juices without pulp are good options. Avoid sugary drinks, such as soda, as they can make diarrhea worse.
The first step in rehydrating is to drink water. Another option is to make an oral rehydration solution by combining 1 liter of water with 6 tablespoons each of sugar and salt.
Consuming sugar and salt with water improves the efficiency of fluid absorption in the intestines. After an episode of diarrhea, this remedy rehydrates the body more efficiently than water by itself.
2. Offer a BRAT Diet
When your child has diarrhea, their stomach is sensitive and needs time to heal. One way to help your child’s stomach heal is to offer them a BRAT diet. This diet consists of bland foods that are easy to digest and won’t irritate the stomach. The BRAT diet includes bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
These foods are low in fiber and fat, which can make diarrhea worse. They are also easy to digest, which can help your child’s stomach heal faster. You can offer your child small, frequent meals throughout the day, rather than three large meals.
3. Keep the Area Clean
When your child has diarrhea, it’s important to keep the area clean to prevent the spread of germs. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly after changing your child’s diaper or helping them use the bathroom. You should also clean your child’s diaper area with warm water and mild soap. Avoid using wipes that contain alcohol or fragrances, as they can irritate your child’s skin.
If your child is potty-trained, make sure they wash their hands thoroughly after using the bathroom. You can also use a disinfectant cleaner to clean the toilet seat and handle to prevent the spread of germs.
4. Monitor Your Child’s Temperature
Diarrhea can cause a fever, which can make your child feel worse. It’s important to monitor your child’s temperature to make sure it doesn’t get too high. A fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit can be a sign of a more serious infection.
If your child has a fever, you can give them acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help lower their temperature. Be sure to follow the dosage instructions on the label and consult your pediatrician if you have any questions.
5. Contact Your Pediatrician
If your child’s diarrhea lasts more than a few days, or if they have other symptoms, such as vomiting or a high fever, it’s important to contact your pediatrician. Your pediatrician can help determine the underlying cause of your child’s diarrhea and recommend the best course of treatment. They may also recommend a probiotic or other medication to help your child’s stomach heal.
First Treatment of Diarrhea in Children
The first treatment of diarrhea in a child is to offer them plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. You can offer water, clear broths, and fruit juices without pulp. If your child is breastfed, continue to breastfeed them as usual. If your child is bottle-fed, you can offer them a special electrolyte solution that you can get from your pediatrician or local drugstore.
READ ALSO; Why Teaching your child How To Swim is The Best Survival Gift As a Parent
The Best Medicine for a Child with Diarrhea
Over-the-counter (OTC) medicines are generally not recommended for treating diarrhea in children without a doctor’s guidance. However, there are instances where specific medications can be used under medical supervision. Loperamide, an antidiarrheal medication, might be prescribed for children above a certain age. Always consult a healthcare provider before administering any medication to your child.
All in all
In a world where children are prone to various health challenges, equipping yourself with the knowledge to handle such situations is empowering. By employing the 5 best ways to care for children experiencing diarrhea and understanding the initial treatment steps and appropriate medicines, you’re taking a significant step toward ensuring the health and happiness of your child, even during less pleasant times.
SET UP YOUR KID’s FUTURE WITH; Coding for Kids Teacher’s Training & Certification (Level One and Two)
