Moderate dehydration manifestations in children with diarrhea

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on November 08, 2024
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In cases of moderate dehydration due to diarrhea in children, some common clinical manifestations include sunken eye sockets. If the anterior fontanelle has not closed in infants under one year old, it may appear sunken, and there can be a decrease in skin elasticity, dry lips and mucous membranes, and a reduction in urine output. Some may also experience increased heart rate, dry mouth, and a preference for drinking. In this situation, it is crucial to promptly rehydrate, primarily through oral rehydration. If oral rehydration is difficult, intravenous rehydration should be administered, while also maintaining the balance of water and electrolytes.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Moderate dehydration manifestations in children with diarrhea

In cases of moderate dehydration due to diarrhea in children, some common clinical manifestations include sunken eye sockets. If the anterior fontanelle has not closed in infants under one year old, it may appear sunken, and there can be a decrease in skin elasticity, dry lips and mucous membranes, and a reduction in urine output. Some may also experience increased heart rate, dry mouth, and a preference for drinking. In this situation, it is crucial to promptly rehydrate, primarily through oral rehydration. If oral rehydration is difficult, intravenous rehydration should be administered, while also maintaining the balance of water and electrolytes.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
1min 2sec home-news-image

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 Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What medicine should a child take for diarrhea?

For children with diarrhea, it is first necessary to determine the cause of the diarrhea. If the child has diarrhea due to a viral infection, with watery stools, the first step is to replenish oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration and oral mucosal protectants, and then give the child probiotics. For severe diarrhea, some anti-diarrheal medications can also be taken. If the child has diarrhea due to a bacterial infection, or dysentery, which is also a bacterial infection, or caused by Shigella bacteria, it is necessary to treat the child with antibiotics under the guidance of a hospital doctor in order to achieve the treatment goal. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How should pediatric diarrhea be treated?

For childhood diarrhea, initially probiotics can be administered to adjust the intestinal flora, commonly used probiotics include Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus acidophilus. Next, it's important to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, for which oral smectite powder can be given. Additionally, diarrhea can easily damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, so it's appropriate to supplement with zinc or folic acid to promote the repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is also important to ensure fluid replenishment to maintain hydroelectrolytic balance, commonly using oral rehydration salts which can replenish both fluids and electrolytes. Attention should also be paid to the child’s mental response and urinary output.