Most people know that diarrhea is a common problem but might not know how to treat it. So, here are various ways to treat and prevent diarrhea at home, especially if it's your child that's suffering.
What is Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is a common medical condition most often characterized by frequent and watery bowel movements. It occurs when the body cannot absorb water correctly in the intestine or more water than usual in the stool.
This is a common condition that affects people worldwide, and no one person or culture is immune to it. In general, diarrhea lasts for a few days or about one week. Most adults can easily overcome the uncomfortable symptoms of diarrhea with rest, fluids, and over-the-counter medications.
On the other hand, children are more susceptible to dehydration, so parents need to know how to recognize the signs of diarrhea and help their children recover quickly.
What Causes Diarrhea?
The most common culprits for diarrhea are viruses, bacterial infections, and parasites. In children, things like lactose intolerance, allergies, and food intolerance may be responsible for symptoms of diarrhea. Besides those specific dietary issues, there are other common causes of diarrhea that anyone may experience.
Knowing the usual causes can help you understand what might be causing your child's diarrhea. So, try to help your child stay away from things that could cause them to get infected and bring on diarrhea.
Symptoms of Diarrhea
It can sometimes be challenging to identify the symptoms of diarrhea because they can vary from one person to another. Sometimes, the frequency of passing stool is more important than anything else. So, here are additional signs that your child has diarrhea:
- Bloating
- Abdominal cramps
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Weakness
- Fatigue
The frequency and severity of diarrhea can change depending on the situation. Most cases of diarrhea in healthy adults and children resolve on their own after a few days without causing additional issues for the sufferer. However, there is an exception to the rule - if your child has bloody stools or diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days, this might indicate something serious.
When to Seek Medical Attention for Diarrhea
If your child cannot keep fluids down, has diarrhea for longer than one week, or experiences symptoms of dehydration, you should immediately bring them to the nearest urgent care center. These symptoms can indicate a severe issue that may require medications or hospitalization.
Diarrhea is a common and uncomfortable condition most people experience at some point in their lives. Fortunately, it usually resolves on its own within a few days. However, medical attention may be necessary depending on the person and the reasons for diarrhea.
How to Treat and Prevent Diarrhea at Home
It can be a trying experience to have a sick child, especially when dehydrated from diarrhea. The best way to combat the symptoms of diarrhea at home is through these remedies:
1) Replacing Fluid Losses
It is essential to replace fluids lost during diarrhea. Your child can do this by drinking lots of water, juice, or electrolyte solutions, such as Gatorade. Another option is to offer your child salty soup broth to help with fluid loss. Young children should be given small amounts frequently until their symptoms improve.
2) Lifestyle Changes
Your child's lifestyle might also change depending on the causes of their diarrhea. For example, if your child is suffering from food intolerance, they may want to avoid that specific food group for a while. This may be difficult depending on what is causing the intolerance, but it is crucial to the health of your child.
3) Replacing Nutrients
If your child is experiencing diarrhea, they will lose nutrients from their body. It is essential to replace these nutrients with nutritious food and snacks. Look for sources of omega-3 fatty acids like tuna, flaxseed, and salmon. Foods high in zinc like poultry and whole grains are also good ideas.
4) Antidiarrheal Medications
Over-the-counter medications like Imodium (loperamide) may be used to help reduce your child's diarrhea symptoms. However, you should speak with your doctor before giving these medications to children, especially if their diarrhea is due to an infection or intolerance.
5) Antibiotics and Other Medications
Depending on the cause of your child's diarrhea, it may be necessary to treat the condition with antibiotics. You can do this at home or a doctor's office, depending on the severity of your child's symptoms. But be careful when using antibiotics because they can only treat bacterial causes of diarrhea and may not help if your child has a virus.
6) Anti-Nausea and Anti-Vomiting Medications
If your child is vomiting due to their condition, it may be necessary to give them anti-nausea or anti-vomiting medications to help get rid of it. Doctors may prescribe a sedative to help your child relax in some cases.
As a parent, your first instinct might be to panic whenever something happens to your child; however, this won't help anyone. So, if your child is suffering from diarrhea, be patient and offer as much support as possible. With this advice, you should help improve the quality of your child's life.
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