Diarrhea
Diarrhea is a common manifestation in many illnesses. There is no recommended treatment for most diarrheal illnesses (outside of hydration) in infants or children. Adult diarrhea medications can, in fact, be harmful to infants and children. A good option for hydration is Pedialyte®, because it contains some sugar and salts which are essential to getting fluids absorbed into the body. The World Health Organization (WHO) has a recipe for a homemade oral rehydration solution, as follows; 1 quart water, 1 teaspoon baking powder, 1 cup orange juice, and 3/4 teaspoon table salt. Plain water will not do the trick as well. Juices alone are OK, however be weary of very sugary or syrupy juices which can actually make diarrhea worse. If your child refuses the ideal liquids, give him/her anything age appropriate as any fluid is better than none. Studies have shown that most children can be rehydrated better with oral fluids than IV fluids, but there are situations where IV fluids cannot be avoided. no urine output for 8 hours or more, dry mouth, dough like skin, dry eyes when crying, and listlessness. Call the office if this occurs.
In the following two circumstances you should contact us immediately:
-
Signs of dehydration; no urine output for 8 or more hours, dry mouth, dough like skin, dry eyes while crying, listlessness, or sunken in soft spot (in an infant)
- Bloody diarrhea