What department should a child with diarrhea visit?

Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

Updated on November 07, 2024

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Childhood diarrhea is a disease of the digestive system. If treated at a general hospital, the child should definitely see a pediatrician. If the diarrhea is severe, accompanied by moderate to severe dehydration, it is advisable to visit emergency pediatrics for urgent treatment. If going to a children's specialty hospital, it is recommended to see a gastroenterologist; severe cases can also go to emergency pediatrics. Additionally, if there is mucus, pus, or bloody stool, consider bacterial dysentery or other infectious diarrhea, and it is advised to see an infectious disease specialist. Generally, for ordinary diarrhea, it is advisable to visit a smaller hospital for treatment.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

58sec

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Can children with diarrhea eat fruit?

When a child experiences diarrhea, their gastrointestinal function is clearly disordered. They have absorption dysfunction, meaning the nutritional substances they consume are not easily absorbed. There may even be a bacterial infection in the intestines, leading to inflammatory exudation and consequently, a noticeable increase in the frequency of bowel movements and watery stools. If the child consumes cold fruits during this period, it could aggravate the diarrhea. Therefore, if parents need to give fruits to a child with diarrhea, they should choose fruits like apples or oranges and serve them warm. Other fruits, such as bananas, could increase gastrointestinal motility and thus worsen the symptoms of diarrhea. During a diarrhea episode, it is important to select appropriate fruits and avoid cold foods.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

46sec

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Can children with diarrhea eat eggs?

Diarrhea in children indicates that their gastrointestinal function is significantly weak, and their ability to absorb nutrients such as starch, fat, and protein is notably poor. Therefore, during a child's diarrhea period, it is recommended to provide some light, easily digestible food, and to avoid spicy, cold, or greasy foods, as well as high-protein and high-starch foods. While some eggs can be appropriate for children with diarrhea, the quantity should not be excessive. Additionally, some children may experience diarrhea due to allergies to certain proteins, in which case it is advised not to consume eggs.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

32sec

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Can children with diarrhea eat noodles?

Children experience diarrhea because various factors cause disturbances in their gastrointestinal function, leading to malabsorption of nutrients. This manifests as a significant increase in the frequency of defecation and a noticeable change in the nature of the stool, even resulting in watery stools. When children have diarrhea, it is recommended to eat easily digestible, bland foods; noodles and porridge are good dietary options.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

57sec

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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 Feng Hai Tao

Pediatrics

1min 11sec

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Can children with diarrhea eat eggplants?

Children should not eat eggplants during diarrhea. First, because eggplants are cool in nature, consuming eggplants could lead to increased gastrointestinal burden on babies, facilitating diarrhea which further intensifies the gastrointestinal load and worsens the diarrhea. Second, eggplants can trigger allergies. Eating eggplants during such sensitive times can exacerbate gastrointestinal stress if an allergic reaction occurs, leading to more severe diarrhea. Third, eggplants are not easy to digest; eating them may hinder the recovery of gastrointestinal functions in babies and increase the burden, causing intensified diarrhea. Therefore, it is best for children with diarrhea to avoid eggplants and instead choose light, easily digestible foods. Avoid raw, cold, spicy, or allergy-triggering foods, keep children warm, and use appropriate treatments and rehydration measures to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.