What are the treatment methods for infectious diarrhea in children?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 24, 2024
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For infectious diarrhea in children, it is first important to determine if the cause is viral or bacterial. In general, rehydration should be provided first to prevent dehydration; oral rehydration salts are commonly used to prevent dehydration and replenish electrolytes. Additionally, probiotics can be given to regulate the gut flora, commonly including bifidobacteria. Another option is to administer smectite powder to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is also appropriate to supplement zinc and folic acid to promote the repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa.

If a bacterial infection is suspected, sensitive antibiotics can be administered, commonly cephalosporins or penicillins for anti-infection treatment. If a viral infection is considered to be causing the diarrhea, some antiviral medications can be added to the treatment. Pay attention to the baby’s mental response and urination situation.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Treatment methods for childhood diarrhea

Firstly, it is important to pay attention to the baby’s response and the condition of their urination. If the baby shows poor spirit response and less urination, it often indicates dehydration, which can be mild, moderate, or severe. Generally, mild to moderate dehydration can be treated with oral rehydration solutions, which include electrolytes replenishment. However, in cases of severe dehydration, which may suggest hypovolemic shock, emergency intravenous fluids are necessary to expand blood volume, and it is crucial to go to the hospital promptly. Additionally, oral probiotics like bifidobacteria can be administered to regulate the intestinal flora. Montmorillonite powder can also be given to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa and stop diarrhea. If bacterial infection is suspected to be the cause of diarrhea, appropriate antibiotics should be used to treat the infection, which can be administered orally or intravenously depending on the severity of the infection. Meanwhile, the baby's urination, spirit response, skin elasticity, and symptoms of dry mouth should be closely monitored to comprehensively evaluate the treatment effectiveness.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What are the common causes of diarrhea in children?

Some common causes of childhood diarrhea include infectious and non-infectious diarrhea. Causes of infectious diarrhea include bacteria, viruses, amoebic dysentery, etc. Common viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, etc. Common bacterial infections include Escherichia coli, Shigella, and other bacteria. Additionally, intestinal amoebic pathogens can also cause diarrhea. Some causes of non-infectious diarrhea include lactose intolerance and food allergies, among others.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Clinical manifestations of childhood diarrhea

Pediatric diarrhea is caused by a variety of pathogens and factors, characterized by an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and changes in the characteristics of stools. It is one of the most common diseases in infants and young children in China, with a high incidence in infants and young children from six months to two years old, half of which are under one year old. It is one of the main causes of malnutrition and growth and development disorders in children. Diarrhea has some common manifestations, including loss of appetite, occasional regurgitation or vomiting, increased frequency of bowel movements, watery or thin stools that are yellow or yellow-green, some with a sour smell. In severe cases of diarrhea, it is important to check for dehydration and electrolyte disorders, as well as symptoms of systemic infection and intoxication, such as fever, irritability or lethargy, drowsiness, pale complexion, and even coma and shock.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
57sec home-news-image

What are the treatment methods for infectious diarrhea in children?

For infectious diarrhea in children, it is first important to determine if the cause is viral or bacterial. In general, rehydration should be provided first to prevent dehydration; oral rehydration salts are commonly used to prevent dehydration and replenish electrolytes. Additionally, probiotics can be given to regulate the gut flora, commonly including bifidobacteria. Another option is to administer smectite powder to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is also appropriate to supplement zinc and folic acid to promote the repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa. If a bacterial infection is suspected, sensitive antibiotics can be administered, commonly cephalosporins or penicillins for anti-infection treatment. If a viral infection is considered to be causing the diarrhea, some antiviral medications can be added to the treatment. Pay attention to the baby’s mental response and urination situation.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
46sec home-news-image

Can children with diarrhea eat eggs?

In cases of diarrhea in children, we must pay attention to their diet. Since diarrhea itself is inflammation of the intestines, digestive function is definitely impaired, and the activity of digestive enzymes will also decrease. Under these circumstances, it is essential to provide a bland and easily digestible diet. If the diarrhea persists for a long time, it is best to feed with diarrhea-specific formula. Eggs are relatively difficult to digest, and in cases of diarrhea, they should be avoided as much as possible. Eating eggs can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, hinder digestion and absorption, and is not conducive to the recovery of the condition. Thus, it is advisable to avoid consuming eggs when experiencing diarrhea.