DEFINITION
Diarrhea is a very common problem in children. Diarrhea is a
pattern of frequent bowel movements and not solid, which is different from the
normal pattern of the child. Sometimes diarrhea can also contain blood or
mucus.
The number and consistency of bowel movements varies between
each child, depending on age and food intake. For example, infants who received
breast milk and not eat solid foods are often frequent bowel movements with
stools is not solid, but the situation is still normal. Increased frequency of
bowel movements and changes in density becomes more liquid stool could indicate
diarrhea in these infants. However, watery diarrhea that occurs for more than
24 hours is never a normal condition.
CAUSE
Acute diarrhea (lasting less than 2 weeks) is usually caused
by:
·
Infectious gastroenteritis, usually due to a
virus, but it can also be caused by bacteria or parasites.
·
Food poisoning
·
The use of certain antibiotics that disrupt the
intestinal bacteria
·
Food allergies
Acute diarrhea can also be caused by more serious disorders,
such as appendicitis (appendicitis) or the entry of intestinal segments to
other segments of the intestine (intussusception). But, on a more serious
disorder, there are other symptoms besides the more alarming diarrhea, for
example, severe abdominal pain, presence of blood during bowel movements, and
fever.
Chronic diarrhea (occurring more than 2 weeks) may result
from:
·
Dietary factors, such as lactose intolerance or
eating too much of certain foods
·
Infection, especially by parasites
·
Disease celiak
·
Inflammatory bowel disease
·
Impaired absorption of food, for example, in
cystic fibrosis
·
A weakened immune system, for example, in AIDS
or the use of certain drugs
Sometimes diarrhea can also be caused by constipation. When
the hardened feces accumulate in the rectum, then soft stool can seep out of
them and soiling in children's clothing.
SYMPTOMS
Children with diarrhea can be loss of appetite, vomiting,
weight loss, or fever. If severe diarrhea occurs or continues for a long time,
then the child at risk for dehydration. Infants and children can become
dehydrated more quickly than adults, sometimes in less than 1 day. Severe
dehydration in children can cause seizures, brain damage, and death.
Some of the symptoms to look out for:
·
signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine
output, the child becomes weak or lethargic, crying without the tears, become
very thirsty, sunken eyes and a dry mouth
·
child looks ill
·
the presence of blood in the stool
·
abdominal pain and more severe when touched
·
bleeding in the skin (appears as spots or
patches of reddish purple)
Children who experience the above symptoms should be
immediately taken to the doctor, as well as children with diarrhea lasting more
than 3-4 times and do not drink or just drink a little.
If the child does not have any alarming symptoms above and
can drink well, and urinate normally, then the diarrhea must be monitored. If
diarrhea persists up to 2 days or more, or if it occurs 6-8 times a day,
children still need to be taken to the doctor.
DIAGNOSIS
Diagnosis is based on symptoms and medical history
available. Keep in mind what foods commonly consumed by children, whether
children using certain antibiotics, whether before consuming food contaminated
or possibly contaminated, whether there is contact with animals recently, and a
history of travel to certain areas.
Physical examination is needed to help find the cause and
also see if the child has diarrhea dehidarsi. Growth children also need to be
evaluated.
There are various checks are also carried out if the child
has signs to look out. If the child has signs of dehydration, it is necessary
to do blood tests to measure levels of electrolytes (mineral body). If there
are other signs to look out, it can do a complete blood count, urine
examination, examination and analysis of stool, abdominal x-rays, or a
combination of the examination.
TREATMENT
The specific cause of diarrhea must be addressed, for
example, if a child has celiac disease, the gluten-containing foods should be
eliminated from the daily food intake. Antibiotics that cause diarrhea should
be discontinued under consideration doctor. Gastroenteritis caused by a virus
can get better by itself.
Medicines to stop diarrhea, such as loperamide, are not
recommended for infants and children.
Dehydration
The important thing to consider when children with diarrhea
are signs of dehydration. Most children with diarrhea successfully treated with
oral fluids. Fluids are given by mouth should contain sodium and carbohydrates
are balanced, for example ORS. Sports drinks, soda, juices and other similar
drinks should not be used because it contains very little sodium and too many
carbohydrates.
If the child is also vomiting, then the fluid can initially
be given a little but often. Usually given 1 teaspoon every 5 minutes. If the
child can take it, then the amount of liquid increased gradually. With patience
and encouragement, most children can get enough fluids through the mouth, so it
does not need to be infused. Fluids should be given through a vein (intravenous
drip) if the child can not drink or severe dehydration.
Intake Eating
As soon as the child is not getting enough fluids and
vomiting, they should be given appropriate food, for example, babies can
melajutkan get breast milk or formula.
PREVENTION
Generally, an infection that causes diarrhea, is highly
contagious. Most cases of diarrhea can be contagious to others. Diarrhea
infection can be spread through:
·
dirty hands
·
food or water contaminated
·
several pets
·
direct contact with the materials exposed to
dirt diarrhea (eg dirty diapers or toilet)
Everything that contain infectious germs need to watch out
because it can contaminate, such as children's toys, a diaper changing table,
toilet surfaces, even the hands of people who care for children who have
diarrhea. Children can be infected by touching contaminated objects are then
put their fingers into their mouths.
Although it is almost impossible to prevent the child did
not ever get an infection that causes diarrhea, but there are some things that
can be done to reduce the chances of children with diarrhea:
Make sure children wash their hands properly and frequently,
especially after using the toilet and before eating. Washing hands is the most
effective way to prevent diarrheal infection from person to person. Dirty hands
contain infectious germs can enter the body when a child is biting his nails,
thumb sucking, eating by hand, or insert a finger or hand into the mouth parts.
Keeping the surface of the pan clean to help prevent the spread
of infectious germs.
Washing fruits and vegetables well before eating, since food
and water also can contain infectious germs.
Wash the kitchen and cooking tools well after exposure to
raw danging, especially poultry products.
As soon as possible keep meat in the refrigerator after I
got home. Cook the meat until completely cooked and no longer pink. After the
meal, immediately save all the food left in the fridge.
Never drink water directly lakes or rivers. It's safer to
drink water that has been cooked, rather than directly from the source of
drinking water that has not been processed. Be careful when buying food or
drink from roadside vendors.
Do not clean pet cages or feed the animals at the place
where the washing the same as that used to prepare food.
Keep a pet to eat (especially reptiles) from the family
meal.
REFERENCE
- B, Eleana P. Diarrhea. Kids Health. 2013.
- C, Deborah M. Diarrhea in Children. Merck Manual Home
Health Handbook. 2013.
- K, Neil K. Diarrhe in Children. Medline Plus. 2011.
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