Overview

Diarrhoea is a gastrointestinal condition with frequent, loose, and watery bowel movements. It is often caused by infections, food poisoning, dietary factors, or underlying medical conditions. Diarrhoea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, and it is typically accompanied by abdominal discomfort or cramps. Treatment may include fluid replacement and addressing the underlying cause.

The condition can be highly damaging for kids as they can get irritated more and cannot express their discomfort, unlike adults.

Diarrhoea in children is usually observed when consuming unhygienic food and water. In severe cases, the child should be taken to a paediatrician for quick treatment.

Causes of Diarrhoea in Children

- Bacterial Infection- One of the most common and significant causes of diarrhoea is a bacterial infection. It can spread through consumption of contaminated food or water. The infection travels in children through affected food and water and disturbs the digestive system.
- Food Intolerance- It is a health issue in which children cannot digest certain foods. The scenario is similar to food allergy. Certain foods cause nausea, vomiting, or skin issues. Children usually have sucrose intolerance, which makes them intolerant to digest foods and liquids containing sucrose or table sugar.
- Parasite Infection- Parasites can easily enter children’s bodies through contaminated food, water, or faecal matter. Such scenarios are usually observed when children are fed from unhygienic places.
- Medicine Reaction- Reaction to certain medicines or antibiotics can also cause bacterial infection. A bacteria named Clostridium difficile can proliferate in children through allergic antibiotics. It leads to the passage of watery and runny stools, making a child feel uncomfortable or perform routine functions along with stomach aches and other digestive problems. In case of sudden stomach ache or runny stools after having any antibiotics or medicines, it is advised to get a complete medical checkup.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)- Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhoea in children.
- Travel-related causes- Traveller's diarrhoea can occur when children are exposed to new bacteria in different regions.

Symptoms of Diarrhoea in Children

- Cramping- Cramping is one of the most prominent and identifiable symptoms of diarrhoea. Diarrhoea causes stomach ache as well as cramps along with other similar symptoms. It can happen due to viral and bacterial infection or other similar disorders. Cramping can get worse if not treated at the right time. Hence, immediate healing is required to slow such signs.
- Bloating- Bloating is another symptom of diarrhoea in children. The affected child feels bloated and does not feel the urge to eat meals on time. It can happen due to bacterial or viral infection and make one feel stomach ache or cramps. In such situations, take a child for a professional medical checkup immediately.
- Bloody Stools- another identifiable symptom of diarrhoea can be blood in stools or vomit. It happens due to anal fissures as the child passes more watery and repetitive stools. The action also involves repetitive cleaning of the anal region, causing bruising of the skin and irritation of the lower region. In case of such symptoms, it is required to contact professional medical help to heal the signs.
- Dehydration- One more symptom of diarrhoea is dehydration. It happens due to the loss of essential fluids, salts, and minerals from the body. In such instances, it is necessary to keep sipping in water and other fluids to maintain the body's water level and avoid health issues.

Treatment Options to Cure Diarrhoea in Children

- - Consume electrolytes- Consuming electrolytes to avoid dehydration is the first step to resolve dehydration. It helps to maintain the liquid levels. One should also keep sipping salt, sugar, and water to compensate for the sugar and salt lost during diarrhoea. Try to avoid sipping on excess plain water, as it can be damaging for the baby. Babies who breastfeed should be fed multiple times a day to avoid dehydration. Soda and juices should be strictly avoided as they are highly damaging in such cases.
  - Healthy Diet- A healthy diet inclusive of leafy vegetables, without high salt, oil, and spices, is recommended for children suffering from diarrhoea. It helps to manage the signs of diarrhoea and avoid watery and runny stools. It also helps to maintain a healthy digestive system and helps to lower damage caused due to bacterial infection.

When to Consult a Doctor

You can also get in touch with the expert Gastroenterology doctors at Narayana Healthcare based in your city to get immediate attention and medical support during injuries, health disorders or any other health concern.

Conclusion

Diarrhoea in children is one of the common health issues children suffer from. It can happen due to contaminated food or water. Timely treatment helps to deal with the issue, lowers the damaging signs, and also allows the child to have a healthy routine.

FAQs

Q. What is diarrhoea? A. A digestive issue recognised by runny and watery stools is known as diarrhoea.

Q. What are the symptoms of diarrhoea in children? A. Runny and watery stools, dehydration, fever, nausea and vomiting, and bloody stools and vomit are some of the symptoms of diarrhoea in children.

Q. What are the causes of diarrhoea in children? A. Consumption of contaminated food and water, bacterial or viral infection, or reaction to any antibiotic or medicine are some of the causes of digestive issues in children.

Q. What are the treatment options for diarrhoea in children? A. Hydration, healthy diet, and rest are some treatment options to help recover a child from the irritating issue.

Q. What are the other signs that can help to identify diarrhoea in children? A. Stomachache, fever, cramping, nausea and vomiting, chills, and fatigue are some initial signs of diarrhoea.

Reference Links

- https://www.narayanahealth.org/blog/gastroenteritis-symptoms-signs-causes-and-treatment-options/
- https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diarrhea-in-children
- https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/diarrhea