Diarrhea
Diarrhea in children is common but can become serious if not treated promptly. Proper hydration, timely medical attention, and preventive measures can help your child recover quickly. Visit Smile Children Clinic in Andheri, Mumbai, for expert care, accurate diagnosis, and comprehensive treatment for your child’s digestive health.
Monsoon in Mumbai! Looks exciting to kids and adults alike but it comes with all possible problems for kids. There are various infections which can increase during this time due to flies, mosquitoes, polluted water, wading through water and many more! We are likely to witness more cases of Diarrhea, dehydration, Dengue, Leptospira, Rickettsia, Jaundice, Typhoid in Mumbai and let us take precautions and be aware of these to be better prepared to handle these, lest it strikes at our children or us. Here we will try to answer common questions asked to pediatricians at Smile Children Clinic in Andheri, Mumbai by parents in Andheri, Jogeshwari, Vile Parle and Santacruz.
When will I say my kid has diarrhea?
If child has more than 3 Loose stools in a day. We see many parents who label diarrhea which in fact is not. A newborn baby or a baby is who is on breast feeding can pass more than 3 stools per day but the stools are semisolid and baby is active, playful and taking proper feeds. And this is not diarrhea.
Why is diarrhea so dangerous?
Many of us only fear about dehydration, but there a many more problems diarrhea can lead to. Electrolytes in body can go haywire and that is very alarming. Child can have low sodium or low potassium in his/her body which can be very scary. Child can lose weight if diarrhea persists long. Children may not tolerate milk for few days after diarrhea. They can get diaper rash and that could be very distressing!
How to I prevent diarrhea in my family?
Please focus on 3 major things: Rota vaccination, breast feeding and proper sanitation & hygiene. Provide bacteria and virus free filtered drinking water, wash hands when preparing the food and feeding the child. Keep all food items covered to protect from flies. Utensils and bottle should be sterilised. Don’t give unpasteurized milk or unhygienic street food to kids. Excessive consumption of sugar containing drinks, fruit juice and carbonated drinks can also cause diarrhoea. Consult our Children Specialist to find if food allergy or lactose intolerance or if any parasite is responsible for diarrhoea.
Can I give food to my child if he/she develops diarrhea?
Yes, you must! You can feed the child normally. Banana, curd rice, khichdi are all good items for a child with diarrhea.
What is the most important treatment?
Fluids, fluids and fluids! Diarrhea causes water loss and hence replacing water to child (with electrolytes!) is most important.
Which fluids in diarrhea?
Best is ORS: Oral Rehydration solution. You can also give plain water, chaas, Lassi, Shikanji with slight salt, rice water, dal water, coconut water are all good choices. Remember some salt and some sugar ( not a lot though) makes a liquid useful in diarrhea.
Any medicines for my child with diarrhea?
Your Children Specialist doctor will decide! We, at Smile Children Clinic, Andheri, Mumbai give Zinc to kids with diarrhea which helps in intestinal recovery & builds immunity. But ORS is the best medicine!
How do I know if my child is dehydrated?
This is the most important skill parents should develop. Thirst, less urine, dark urine, dull child, child which wants to sleep more and play less, these could be all the things which can point to dehydration.