Diarrhea in Children - Watch Out For Symptoms

Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of death among children in The United States. Studies have revealed that 3 out of 10 children are being brought to the hospital due to dehydration which has developed because of diarrhea. This goes to show that a simple reason like diarrhea can cause a child's death when in fact it is pretty much avoidable. Now in order to prevent such dreadful event, you have to know at least a few causes, symptoms, remedies and prevention measures in dealing with diarrhea; most especially among children.

Diarrhea refers to excessive loss of water and electrolytes that occurs with passage of unformed stools. It is a symptom of many conditions and may be caused by many diseases. Organisms causing diarrhea in infants and young children would include bacteria such as Salmonella, Shigella and Yersinia to name a few; and would also include viruses such as adenoviruses, human reovirus-like agent, and rotaviruses. It would also include a few fungus and parasites such as Candida and Giardia. Diarrhea may also result from other disorders as celiac disease; food allergies; mechanical obstruction; and congenital anomalies.

Keep in mind that it is harder to figure out if a child has diarrhea or not compared to adults. Such matter is even more crucial in infants. Now let me share to you some symptoms to watch out for in children or infants having diarrhea.

1. Loose and fluid consistency stools that are greenish or yellow-green color and may contain mucus, pus, or blood. Frequency varies from 2 to 20 per day. Stools are expelled with force and may be preceded by pain.

2. General appearance indicates dehydration in severe cases such as little to extreme loss of subcutaneous fat; up to 50% total body weight loss; poor skin turgor and dry skin; pallor; and sunken fontanelles and eyes.

3. Low grade fever to 41.1 degrees Celsius (106 degrees Farenheight), anorexia and vomiting may occur.

4. Behavioral changes are noted such as crying or legs drawn up to abdomen usually indicates pain; irritability and restlessness; weakness; extreme prostration; stupor and convulsions; and flaccidity.

If one or more of these symptoms are noted in your child then you have to consult your doctor for immediate intervention. But you can also do some measures to help rehydrate your child. You can give oral rehydration solution or Oresol based on number of stools. You just have to mix salt and sugar on warm water and have it drink by your child. Oresol is still the best home remedy you can do to fight diarrhea and prevent further dehydration.