Treatment of diarrhea in children: tips for parents' peace of mind

• 7/12/2024
• 6 minutes

Treatment of diarrhea in children is one of the main concerns of parents, because diarrhea can quickly dehydrate a child's body and endanger his health. Diarrhea in children is usually caused by various reasons. Although in most cases, diarrhea gets better on its own with simple home care, sometimes medical intervention is needed to prevent serious complications. In this article, we will discuss effective methods for managing diarrhea in children, the importance of hydration, choosing the right foods, and when to see a doctor.

The main methods of treating diarrhea in children

The importance of hydration and fluid replacement in the treatment of diarrhea

Rehydration and fluid replacement are very important in the treatment of children's diarrhea, because diarrhea leads to the loss of a large amount of water and electrolytes from the child's body and increases the risk of dehydration. Dehydration in children causes symptoms such as dry mouth, decreased urination, lethargy and even kidney failure, which makes their condition critical. The use of oral rehydration solutions that contain electrolytes and sugar quickly compensates for lost fluids and nutrients and helps maintain the body's fluid balance. Therefore, providing enough fluids, especially in the early hours of diarrhea, is essential for the treatment to protect the child from serious risks of dehydration.

Proper nutrition for children with diarrhea

Proper nutrition for children with diarrhea plays a vital role in rapid recovery and prevention of dehydration. In the initial stages of diarrhea, it is better for the child to eat foods that are easy to digest and do not irritate the stomach, such as white rice, baked potatoes, dry bread, bananas and grated apples. After stabilizing the situation, you can gradually add other foods such as thin soups, plain yogurt and low-fat proteins. Also, you should avoid eating fatty, fried, sweet and high-fat dairy foods, because they aggravate diarrhea.

Antibiotics and antidiarrheal drugs

Antibiotics and antidiarrheal drugs are usually prescribed in the treatment of children's diarrhea only in special circumstances. In cases where diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection such as salmonella or shigella, the doctor prescribes antibiotics. However, most cases of diarrhea in children are caused by viral infections that do not require antibiotics. The use of anti-diarrheal drugs such as loperamide or diphenoxylate is usually not recommended for children, because these drugs prolong the illness or disrupt the normal bowel function.

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Home Remedies for Children's Diarrhea

Home treatment for children's diarrhea usually includes simple measures that will help the child recover and prevent serious problems. One of the most important measures is continuous water supply; The use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) helps to compensate for lost fluids and electrolytes. Also, the child should be given easy-to-digest foods. Also, adequate rest and child care are very important to prevent dehydration.

Effect of nutrition and diet in faster treatment of children's diarrhea

Nutrition and proper diet have a great effect on the faster treatment of children's diarrhea. Consuming light and easy-to-digest foods such as rice and baked potatoes will help the child's digestive system work better and prevent diarrhea from worsening. In addition to easy digestion, these foods help to boost the energy level and improve the general condition of the child. Also, it is necessary to consume fluids and oral rehydration solutions to compensate for lost fluids and maintain the balance of electrolytes.

The role of probiotics in improving children's diarrhea

Probiotics play an important role in improving diarrhea in children, especially in cases where the diarrhea is caused by viral infections or the use of antibiotics. Probiotics are useful microorganisms that help restore the natural intestinal flora and maintain the balance of beneficial and harmful bacteria. These microorganisms accelerate the healing process by strengthening the body's immune system, reducing intestinal inflammation and improving digestive function. The use of probiotics in children with diarrhea reduces the duration of diarrhea and reduces its severity.

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