Diarrhea as defined by WHO (world health organization) is having three or more loose or liquid stools per day, or having more stools than is normal for that person. This means a frequent bowel excretion or abnormal habit in such system. It may be considered just a general ailment but it can be fatal if reached to a severe level. Toddlers are sensitive to germs, unclean atmosphere and a poor diet. The care takers need to pay extra attention on their environment as well as dietary intake.
Effective treatment
In children, the treatment is given with even more attention and regular medical checkup, as they are more prone to side-effects and are unable to express any disturbance or abnormal pain felt in body. These options are mostly taken help form:
Most common treatment for treating diarrhea among toddlers is the use of certain antibiotics given according to the prescription of the physician or pediatrician. Since, these are beneficial in certain types of disease; these are used in specific condition, where it is highly imperative for the patient. Owing to the side-effects and other complications, prior to the treatment, it is essential to discuss with the doctor, any medical problem to the child or it can worsen the condition instead of improving it. Some bacteria especially Shigella develop antibodies resistant, so the child may not get any benefit with low potency pills.
Diet
So far, it has proven to play a key role in the cause as well as the cure of the disease. The child must be strictly kept on a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, starchy foods and other bulking agents.
Yogurt: A popular food ascribed to diarrhea treatment is yogurt that is the best remedy to cure it if caused by antibiotics. Its health-friendly bacteria help get rid of any gastroenterological problem both among children and adults alike. What to do if your child is an enemy of plain yogurt? Simply add some juicy fruits in it or mix a spoon of honey in it to improve the taste. Banana: Among the fruits, banana is the most effective of all. Don’t hesitate giving it in mashed form but carefully choose the proportion, especially in case of cough with sputum.
Cereals: Whole grain cereals such as multi-grain bread, buns, muffins and cookies can also be given as they help in making the stool firm. On the other hand, avoid pulses, chickpeas, high-fiber foods or laxatives that will cause a considerable thinning of the feces. A combination of the cereals with milk is usually given to make the texture smooth and chewable. The taste is also improved by mixing them in full cream milk.
Fluids: These are really important to provide sufficient water and liquid to the child because there is a higher chance of dehydration caused by frequent excretion. Oral rehydration solution is recommended by WHO. Rehydralyte, Pedialyte, Infalyte are some of the fluids available today. Popsicles are also a good option especially for the vomiting child.
Zinc also works well in the form of supplements but only for the infants that are six months of age not for the toddlers.
Anti motility agents
Loperamide an opioid drug is an effective agent in the treatment of diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease or gastroenteritis. It has found to be more effective than diphenoxylate and bismuth subsalicylate.
Bismuth compounds
They help decrease the number of bowel movements in certain types, but the disease may persist. This is given only when blood is not present in body wastes.
Bile acid sequestrants
These cab be effective in bile acid malabsorption related diarrhea and include, colesevelam, colestipol and cholestyramine.
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Effective treatment
In children, the treatment is given with even more attention and regular medical checkup, as they are more prone to side-effects and are unable to express any disturbance or abnormal pain felt in body. These options are mostly taken help form:
- Antibiotics
- Diet
- Anti motility agents
- Bismuth compounds
- Bile acid sequestrants
Most common treatment for treating diarrhea among toddlers is the use of certain antibiotics given according to the prescription of the physician or pediatrician. Since, these are beneficial in certain types of disease; these are used in specific condition, where it is highly imperative for the patient. Owing to the side-effects and other complications, prior to the treatment, it is essential to discuss with the doctor, any medical problem to the child or it can worsen the condition instead of improving it. Some bacteria especially Shigella develop antibodies resistant, so the child may not get any benefit with low potency pills.
Diet
So far, it has proven to play a key role in the cause as well as the cure of the disease. The child must be strictly kept on a healthy diet with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables, starchy foods and other bulking agents.
Yogurt: A popular food ascribed to diarrhea treatment is yogurt that is the best remedy to cure it if caused by antibiotics. Its health-friendly bacteria help get rid of any gastroenterological problem both among children and adults alike. What to do if your child is an enemy of plain yogurt? Simply add some juicy fruits in it or mix a spoon of honey in it to improve the taste. Banana: Among the fruits, banana is the most effective of all. Don’t hesitate giving it in mashed form but carefully choose the proportion, especially in case of cough with sputum.
Cereals: Whole grain cereals such as multi-grain bread, buns, muffins and cookies can also be given as they help in making the stool firm. On the other hand, avoid pulses, chickpeas, high-fiber foods or laxatives that will cause a considerable thinning of the feces. A combination of the cereals with milk is usually given to make the texture smooth and chewable. The taste is also improved by mixing them in full cream milk.
Fluids: These are really important to provide sufficient water and liquid to the child because there is a higher chance of dehydration caused by frequent excretion. Oral rehydration solution is recommended by WHO. Rehydralyte, Pedialyte, Infalyte are some of the fluids available today. Popsicles are also a good option especially for the vomiting child.
Zinc also works well in the form of supplements but only for the infants that are six months of age not for the toddlers.
Anti motility agents
Loperamide an opioid drug is an effective agent in the treatment of diarrhea caused by inflammatory bowel disease or gastroenteritis. It has found to be more effective than diphenoxylate and bismuth subsalicylate.
Bismuth compounds
They help decrease the number of bowel movements in certain types, but the disease may persist. This is given only when blood is not present in body wastes.
Bile acid sequestrants
These cab be effective in bile acid malabsorption related diarrhea and include, colesevelam, colestipol and cholestyramine.
Related Stories:
