Diarrhea in children

Diarrhea in children

Diarrhea in children is a condition characterised by three or more loose or watery stools in a day. There are both acute and chronic phases. In the acute phase diarrhea lasts for less than 2 weeks and if it is more than that it is called chronic diarrhea. Diarrhea can be:

• A virus born infection like rotavirus, norovirus
• A bacterial born like E.coli, Salmonella
• A parasitic one like Giardia.

Apart from external infection it could be due to food poisoning, or due to contaminated water. The child should be given Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT). If the stools contain blood, along with high fever then medical care would be needed. In order to prevent diarrhea children should be encouraged to adapt good hygienic habits and drink safe clean water.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for diarrhea, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the causes for Diarrhea in children?

Diarrhea can be caused by external infections, food and water, or due to excessive medication. Below is the list of the main reasons for diarrhea in children:

1. Infections

Infections are the top most reasons for diarrhea in children across all age groups.

Viral Infections:

• Rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrhea in infants and young children
• Norovirus
• Adenovirus
• Astrovirus

Bacterial Infections:

• Escherichia coli (E. coli)
• Salmonella
• Shigella
• Campylobacter
• Clostridium difficile

Parasitic Infections:

• Giardia lamblia
• Entamoeba histolytica

2. Dietary Causes

• Consuming foods that do not suit the child like lactose intolerance
• Children having food allergies like peanut allergy, protein allergy etc
• In breastfeeding children if the infant is being overfed it leads to diarrhea.
• Consuming contaminated food or water or eating/drinking at unsanitary places.

3. Medication Medication-Induced

• Misuse of laxatives which were probably given to overcome constipation in the child.
• Antibiotics are known to disrupt the gut microbiota and cause diarrhea

4. Pre-existing Chronic Conditions

• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) like Crohn’s disease or Ulcerative colitis
• If the child repeatedly has an Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

5. Miscellaneous reasons

• Children might get diarrhea when their teeth start to come out due to the increase in saliva swallowing
• When the child is in stress or anxiety like exam fear or stage fear etc.
• The post effect of a prolonged illness where the child was given heavy medication.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for diarrhea, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the symptoms of diarrhea in children?

It is very important for the parent or the care give us to know the symptoms of diarrhoea in children. Below are the symptoms of diarrhea:

• More than usual loose or watery stools which could be more than three times a day. Frequent loose or watery stools (more than 3 times per day)
• Can’t hold the need to go to the bathroom.
• Pain or cramps in the abdomen
• The stomach bloats
• More than usual passage of gas
• Fever is common if the cause of diarrhoea is an infection
• If left untreated diarrhoea can cause nausea or vomiting
• Complete loss of appetite
• The child is irritated and very fussy especially in infants and toddlers.

Dehydration is the most common and serious symptom of diarrhoea. Look out for the following symptoms to know whether the child is dehydrating

• The child’s mouth and tongue are drying up
• Very less or no tears while crying
• The eyes are sunken
• Reduced urination and the diapers are not becoming wet as normal
• Tiredness and fatigue in the child

For expert pediatric care and treatment for diarrhea, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

When to get immediate medical care for diarrhea in children?

A child needs immediate medical care for diarrhoea under the following conditions:-

• In an infant if the diarrhoea last for more than 24 hours
• In older children if the diarrhoea lasts for a few days.
• If the child is dehydrating
• If the colour of the stools is black
• If there is blood in the stools
• If the child has high fever and it is not coming down with home care.
• If the child is less than 6 months old at the first signs of diarrhea medical care should be provided.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for diarrhea, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

How is diarrhoea diagnosed in children?

Diagnosing diarrhea in children is done by understanding their symptoms, medication history and any recent travels. Depending upon the severity and the duration of diarrhoea certain tests might be conducted rarely.

1. History of the symptoms

The parent or the care given must be able to answer the following questions about the history:-

• When did diarrhea start?
• How many times is the child passing stools per day?
• The consistency of the stools whether they are watery, bloody, or mucousy?
• Is the child suffering from fever?
• Did the child have any nausea or vomitings?
• Recent travel history which could include local travel also.
• Has the child been exposed to unsafe food or water?
• Has the child accidentally eaten any food that they are allergic to?
• Has the child eaten any uncooked or raw food?
• Any antibiotics recently given if so what were they and their duration.

2. Physical Examination

The following physical examination is conducted on the child:-

• The health provider will check for dry mouth sunken eyes to know the child’s dehydration levels.
• The doctor will check for any abdominal tenderness.
• The doctor will measure the fever.

3. Diagnostic Tests

In mild, short-term diarrhea diagnostic tests are not conducted. Only under the following conditions test are ordered:-

• The symptoms of diarrhoea are not coming under control.
• Severe dehydration of the child to the point of unconsciousness.
• Bloody stools

The common tests that are conducted are

• Stool culture to check for the presence of bacterial infections
• Stool O&P ova and parasites test determinants the presence of parasites
• Stool viral panel candidate viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus.
• Stool pH evaluate the lactose intolerance or carbohydrate malabsorption
• Blood tests are carried out to determine the level of dehydration, and electrolyte imbalance
• Allergy or intolerance testing may be conducted if the child has any food allergies.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for diarrhea, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

What are the treatments for diarrhoea in children?

Treatment for diarrhea in children focuses on dehydrating the child, controlling the symptoms and medication is given rarely. Minor to mind cases resolve themselves with good home care.

Rehydration (Most Important)

• Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS): ORS replenishes the lost fluids and electrolytes. ORS is more effective than water or juice.
• The child should be given small ships periodically. Do not give large quantities at one time especially the child is vomiting
• Please do not give soda or fruit juice since they will worsen in the symptoms.

Managing through Diet

• If the child is breastfeeding please continue since it is safe and helps with recovery.
• For older children give foods that are easy to digest and which they are not allergic to.
• Please avoid the following foods:-
  • Foods rich in trans fats, spicy diet
  • Dairy for lactose intolerant children
  • Raw vegetables or sprouts

Medications (only on doctor advice)

• The doctor might recommend antibiotics, antiparasitics, zinc supplements and probiotics. In most cases doctors prefer supportive care and monitoring the condition before starting medication.
• Please do not give any snti-diarrheal drugs to children without medical supervision under the care of a qualified doctor.

Hospital Treatment (for Severe Cases)

• In case of severe dehydration the child is admitted into the hospital and IV fluids are administered.
• The electrolyte levels and the infection levels are closely monitored by conducting a series of tests.

For expert pediatric care and treatment for diarrhea, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

About Isha Specialty Clinics, Hyderabad

Isha Specialty Clinic is the best Hospital in Manikonda for your heart care and child care. For all your pediatric and newborn care we are a one stop solution. Our expert team of doctors and state of the art labs offer you comprehensive pediatric services. When you visit us you will experience the best paediatric care, children nutrition advice and best cardiologist treatment in Hyderabad. Isha Specialty clinics are located at convenient locations in Hyderabad Manikonda in the nearby Gachibowli, Banjara Hills and Toli Chowki, Mehdipatnam, Narsingi, Alkapur township.

Our expert team of doctors

Dr. Swathy Talishetty – MBBS (Osmania), MD (Niloufer) – Child and Newborn Specialist (Paediatric Doctor)

Dr. Swathy Talishetty is a top rated child care specialist. Dr.Swathy is an alumnus of Osmania Medical College where she completed her MBBS in 2007 and later on pursued her MD in Pediatrics from Niloufer Hospital in 2012. Dr Talishetty Swathi has specialized in:-

• Newborn and infant care
• Immunization
• Growth and development monitoring
• Preterm baby management
• Childhood overweight management.

Dr. Swathy Talishetty’s compassionate approach, combined with her in-depth knowledge of pediatric nutrition, enables her to offer comprehensive care that addresses both medical and nutritional needs of children, ensuring their healthy growth and development. Get children treatment and pediatric nutrition consultation with Dr. Swathy Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, nearby Gachibowli and Narsingi areas in Hyderabad.

Dr. Nithin Annarapu – MBBS, MD – General Medicine, DM – Cardiology

Dr. Nithin Annarapu has more than a decade of heart care experience. 18 Years Experience Overall (12 years as heart specialist). Dr. Nithin Annarapu Annarapu is an Interventional Cardiologist in Manikonda Hyderabad and has an experience of 18 years in heart treatment, surgeries and cardiac procedures. He has saved many lives with his excellent treatments for palpitations which are heart related. Dr. Nithin Annarapu is practicing at Isha Speciality Clinics Manikonda, near Gachibowli in Hyderabad. He completed MBBS from Siddhartha Medical College & Research in 2002, MD – General Medicine from Osmania Medical College, Hyderabad in 2006 and DM – Cardiology from Nizam Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad in 2010.

Major Treatments at Isha Speciality Clinics

Pediatric Care

• Newborn and infant care
• Immunization
• Growth and development monitoring
• Preterm baby management
• Childhood overweight management.

Heart treatment

• Mitral valve replacement surgery
• Heart valve replacement and repair
• Coronary Angioplasty
• Coronary Angiogram
• Cardiac catheterization
• Angioplasty

Pain treatment

• Thoracic epidural injections
• Cervical epidural injections
• Intraarticular joint injections
• Nerve Block
• Spinal Cord Stimulation Therapy
• Lumbar Epidural Injections

For expert pediatric care and treatment for diarrhea, book a consultation today at Isha Specialty Clinic, Hyderabad (Call: 96760 70203).

For emergency care or appointments, contact Dr. Swathi Talishetty at Isha Speciality Clinic, Manikonda – Hyderabad at 96760 7020. Book an appointment today for expert pediatric care!