Diarrhea is an acute condition that can affect children of all ages. It is characterized by the passing of more or less loose stools and usually resolves by itself with no further complications. Symptoms may also include cramping, abdominal pain, nausea and fever. Diarrhea can lead to rapid dehydration, due to the loss of electrolytes, and become a life-threatening condition, particularly in newborns and infants. It is crucial to recognize the signs of severe diarrhea and know when to seek medical attention.
What Defines Severe Diarrhea
If your child has no wet diaper for 6 hours or more, vomits several times, has sunken eyes or the soft spot on his head is depressed, blood or pus in the stool, dark stools and a fever of 102 F or higher, seek medical advice. These are the signs of severe diarrhea. If the watery stools persist for more than 24 hours, you should also contact your doctor for advice. These symptoms should not be taken lightly, as severe diarrhea can be fatal in a child in less than 24 hours.
Causes
Although diarrhea can occur in children for many different reasons, viral and bacterial diseases are the main cause of severe diarrhea. Viruses --- rotavirus being the most common type --- cause the death of approximately 600,000 children per year. Bacteria responsible for the condition include E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella, the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse reports. This type of infection can be characterized by blood in the stools. Other causes of severe diarrhea include food allergies and intolerance and poisoning after swallowing chemicals, medications and other substances.
Treatment
In children, the most common form of treatment for severe diarrhea is rehydration therapy to replenish lost water and electrolytes; an oral rehydration product is often used in this instance. Fluid therapy may be provided at a hospital if the child is very sick. These measures should be accompanied by a diet based on foods like bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. Dairy products should be avoided, except for breast milk if a child is breastfed. Drug therapy is not always necessary and will depend on the agent causing the condition. Antibiotics are sometimes given for bacterial diarrhea, while no treatment is available against viral disease.
Preventive Measures
Diarrhea cannot always be prevented, but giving a child plenty of fluids will help the occurrence of severe symptoms and complications. To avoid infectious diarrhea, food, milk and drinks should always be prepared and handled safely following optimal sanitary procedures. Food should be cooked at 160 F or higher to kill all microorganisms. Children and adults should practice frequent hand-washing to avoid contamination from hand to mouth. Vaccination against rotavirus is available and is typically encouraged; discuss the vaccine with your pediatrician.
References
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse; Diarrhea; January 2011
- BabyCenter: Diarrhea
- "What to Expect the First Year"; Heidi Murkoff, et al.; 2003
