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Diarrhea is one of the most significant causes of deaths for children especially under the age of five, though it is easily preventable yet it has more than 25% of under-five mortality in developing nations. In India, common illnesses in children under 3 years of age include fever (27%), acute respiratory infections (17%), diarrhea (13%) and malnutrition (43%). Behavioral studies show that in India, some mothers offer less than the usual amount of food to infants during diarrhea sickness and often do not seek counsel of the doctor.
Moreover Children who need care during diarrhea sickness are usually the children in a community whose feeding behavior is one of the most important causes.
It is important for the parents to know some of the symptoms of diarrhea of a child; it may be added that when the child may have when his/her stools become watery and often goes as frequent as more than three times a day. In some cases, the diarrhea could have acutely watery stools, severely dehydrated when he/ she may be lethargic or unconscious, and may have sunken eyes, or the child skin doesn’t return to normal on pinching and on other case When there is blood in the child’s stools the condition may have dysentery too. Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, and may be life threatening, particularly for young children and people who are malnourished or have impaired immunity.
Diarrhea is caused by gastrointestinal infection, and the infection spreads through contaminated food or water, or from person to person as a result of poor hygiene. It is important to note that when child does not get better within 5 days it is advisable to take to a doctor immediately.Oral Rehydration Salts Solution (ORS) refers to the complete oral rehydration salt mixture recommended by the WHO. ORS packet is distribute free of cost to all PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals etc. ORS pack is also given FREE by ASHA, Anganwadi worker and ANM.
Parents should carefully follow instructions written on the packets to make the ORS solution with properly clean hands; use clean utensils and clean water. Carefully follow instructions of local Doctor/ ANM/ ASHA on the quantity of ORS solution to be given, water should be boiled and allowed to cool and the prepared solution should be consumed within in 24 hours.
In order to prevent Diarrhea especially for children one of the best options is to Continue Breast feeding, Lemonade (nimbupani), rice kanji, lassie, coconut water, etc. may also be given to an infant above the age six months.
Semisolid foods like Watery Moong Dal with rice, Khichdi, Idlis, Yoghurt, ripe banana stewed apple & apple juice, arrowroot kanji, and curd rice can be given during Diarrhea. Oily food, Green vegetables, chilies and spices should be avoided during Diarrhea.
It may be noted that when the child starts vomiting it becomes complicated to control Diarrhea and this makes even more difficult to prevent dehydration. To control vomiting, consult the doctor and give the medicine as recommended. When the stomach is irritated, it will not retain large feed even if the child willingly takes it, feeds liquids frequently every after few minutes is useful. Offer liquids every minute or two initially in small quantities. Once these are retained, you can increase the amount. It is advisable to go for Liquid Feeds because Liquids can better tolerate than solids. Try Electrolyte solutions or ORS. And start slowly with Soft Diet once liquids are tolerated.
Diaper/ Nappy rash from diarrhea is common. The skin near the baby’s anus can become irritated by Diarrhea and to prevent diapers/ nappy rash: Wash the area near the anus, dry it and then protect it with a thick layer of nappy rash and go for ointment. Changing the diaper quickly after the child has passed stools, and exposure of the area to air is also one of the factors for helpful prevention.
Exclusive breast feeding for 6 months is very essential and it is advisable not to use feeding Bottle because dirt gets collected on the nipple of the bottle, if it is not washed and sterilized properly there are every chances of contamination and most importantly to maintain sanitary hygiene. Washing hand after defecation before eating, and before feeding the child, Use clean drinking water, store in clean utensils.
The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland under the National Health Mission is doing its best to contain the disease by way of organizing various medical camp, workshop, and seminary and also through various publications but still there is lot and lots to be done. Though Diarrhea is very much curable if leave unattended it can be one of main factors which can cause the deaths, especially for children. It should be the role and responsibility of every citizen to educate those who are ignorant and to share some of the firsthand knowledge and symptoms about Diarrhea.
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Diarrhea is one of the most significant causes of deaths for children especially under the age of five, though it is easily preventable yet it has more than 25% of under-five mortality in developing nations. In India, common illnesses in children under 3 years of age include fever (27%), acute respiratory infections (17%), diarrhea (13%) and malnutrition (43%). Behavioral studies show that in India, some mothers offer less than the usual amount of food to infants during diarrhea sickness and often do not seek counsel of the doctor.
Moreover Children who need care during diarrhea sickness are usually the children in a community whose feeding behavior is one of the most important causes.
It is important for the parents to know some of the symptoms of diarrhea of a child; it may be added that when the child may have when his/her stools become watery and often goes as frequent as more than three times a day. In some cases, the diarrhea could have acutely watery stools, severely dehydrated when he/ she may be lethargic or unconscious, and may have sunken eyes, or the child skin doesn’t return to normal on pinching and on other case When there is blood in the child’s stools the condition may have dysentery too. Diarrhea leads to fluid loss, and may be life threatening, particularly for young children and people who are malnourished or have impaired immunity.
Diarrhea is caused by gastrointestinal infection, and the infection spreads through contaminated food or water, or from person to person as a result of poor hygiene. It is important to note that when child does not get better within 5 days it is advisable to take to a doctor immediately.Oral Rehydration Salts Solution (ORS) refers to the complete oral rehydration salt mixture recommended by the WHO. ORS packet is distribute free of cost to all PHCs, CHCs, district hospitals etc. ORS pack is also given FREE by ASHA, Anganwadi worker and ANM.
Parents should carefully follow instructions written on the packets to make the ORS solution with properly clean hands; use clean utensils and clean water. Carefully follow instructions of local Doctor/ ANM/ ASHA on the quantity of ORS solution to be given, water should be boiled and allowed to cool and the prepared solution should be consumed within in 24 hours.
In order to prevent Diarrhea especially for children one of the best options is to Continue Breast feeding, Lemonade (nimbupani), rice kanji, lassie, coconut water, etc. may also be given to an infant above the age six months.
Semisolid foods like Watery Moong Dal with rice, Khichdi, Idlis, Yoghurt, ripe banana stewed apple & apple juice, arrowroot kanji, and curd rice can be given during Diarrhea. Oily food, Green vegetables, chilies and spices should be avoided during Diarrhea.
It may be noted that when the child starts vomiting it becomes complicated to control Diarrhea and this makes even more difficult to prevent dehydration. To control vomiting, consult the doctor and give the medicine as recommended. When the stomach is irritated, it will not retain large feed even if the child willingly takes it, feeds liquids frequently every after few minutes is useful. Offer liquids every minute or two initially in small quantities. Once these are retained, you can increase the amount. It is advisable to go for Liquid Feeds because Liquids can better tolerate than solids. Try Electrolyte solutions or ORS. And start slowly with Soft Diet once liquids are tolerated.
Diaper/ Nappy rash from diarrhea is common. The skin near the baby’s anus can become irritated by Diarrhea and to prevent diapers/ nappy rash: Wash the area near the anus, dry it and then protect it with a thick layer of nappy rash and go for ointment. Changing the diaper quickly after the child has passed stools, and exposure of the area to air is also one of the factors for helpful prevention.
Exclusive breast feeding for 6 months is very essential and it is advisable not to use feeding Bottle because dirt gets collected on the nipple of the bottle, if it is not washed and sterilized properly there are every chances of contamination and most importantly to maintain sanitary hygiene. Washing hand after defecation before eating, and before feeding the child, Use clean drinking water, store in clean utensils.
The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Nagaland under the National Health Mission is doing its best to contain the disease by way of organizing various medical camp, workshop, and seminary and also through various publications but still there is lot and lots to be done. Though Diarrhea is very much curable if leave unattended it can be one of main factors which can cause the deaths, especially for children. It should be the role and responsibility of every citizen to educate those who are ignorant and to share some of the firsthand knowledge and symptoms about Diarrhea.