While growing up every child develops a unique style of food choices, and at the same time also grows up with a fondness for junk food or certain foods that are not easily accepted by a child’s digestive system. Such food patterns, touching things and putting the same hands in their mouth, or savouring tiny food particles fallen on the ground, lack of understanding of how to chew their food well and many other common factors causes frequent passing of loose motions also known as Diarrhoea.

Diarrhea

While growing up every child develops a unique style of food choices, and at the same time also grows up with a fondness for junk food or certain foods that are not easily accepted by a child’s digestive system. Such food patterns, touching things and putting the same hands in their mouth, or savouring tiny food particles fallen on the ground, lack of understanding of how to chew their food well, and many other common factors causes frequent passing of loose motions also known as Diarrhoea.

Diarrhea often leads to fever, vomiting, headache, discomfort, weakness, cramps, or a twisted stomach cramp. Diarrhea also causes dehydration which is the loss of essential salts; nutrition and water retention causing abdominal distress. This causes discomfort among the young ones and is a worrisome situation for parents.

What causes diarrhea?

A wide range of viruses is one of the most common causes. Secondly, infection from viruses like rotavirus, bacteria like salmonella that is found in contaminated food and water, and rarely, parasites like giardia that are found in contaminated water. Along with loose or watery stools, symptoms of a viral gastroenteritis infection often include vomiting, stomach ache, headache, and fever. Infections from viruses, bacteria, or parasites sometimes lead to chronic diarrhea. After infection, some children have problems digesting carbohydrates, such as lactose, or proteins, such as milk or soy proteins. These problems can cause prolonged diarrhea often for up to 6 weeks after infection.

What helps in stopping Diarrhoea among kids?

1) Fluids: - Encourage your child to drink a lot of water (possibly boiled water) lemon juice (nimbu paani) and coconut water to return salts to the body. Avoid fruit juices and soft drinks or any packaged beverages.

2) Milk: - Warm milk if the child is not willing to intake solid food. Remember during such times a child may become lactose intolerant or might find digesting carbohydrates difficult.

3) Rice: - Porridge made out of rice, simple bland rice preparation or rice, and homemade curd. The starch in Rice acts as firming or binding food for watery stools.

4) Bananas: - They are high in potassium and iron. Bananas help in bulking and firming up the loose stools.

What do most pediatricians suggest?

Commonly, it is suggested that the diet should consist of Bananas, Rice, Apple sauce, and Toast Diet. Making the right food choices is very important so as to recover soon and the symptoms should not lead to chronic diarrhea. Diet should include those foods that will help cause the bulking and firming of the loose stool. These foods include grains and certain fruits.

What causes chronic diarrhea in children?

In a Nutshell What helps stop diarrhea in children (For mild diarrhea )

• Keep on a normal diet. Eat more starchy foods (such as cereals, crackers, rice).
• Drink more fluids. Coconut water, Nimbu Paani, Water. Formula and/or milk are good choices for this illness.
• Eat selected fruits, mostly Bananas and Apples sauce or puree
• Do not drink fruit juices or soft drinks. They will worsen diarrhea.

  Please visit the doctor or GP immediately if diarrhea starts worsening.