Acute diarrhoea is characterised by loose motions with more frequency than normal bowel habit. It is mostly caused by infectious organism, hence doctors may use the term gastroenteritis.
What causes diarrhoeal disease?
Most childhood diarrhoeal illnesses are caused by viruses, especially Rotavirus, which is easily spread in nurseries. Occasionally the bacterial organism may be the cause, especially if the loose stool is mixed with blood.
What food can give my child when he has diarrhoea?
- For babies <1-year-old, continue breastmilk/ infant formula if the child can tolerate. If not, best check with a doctor as they may lose water (dehydrated) too quickly.
- For children >1-year-old, simple food such as rice, wheat bread, pasta, oat/ rice porridge, potatoes, boiled egg, lean meat, and mashed apple, can be given. ORS should be given after each diarrhoeal episode.
- DON'T GIVE fatty foods (french fries, roti canai, cheese, fried chicken)
- DON'T GIVE sugary drinks including soft drinks (coca-cola, pepsi, juice)
What to do for vomiting?
- Give small sips for clear fluids every 10-15 minutes
- If the child vomits but is NOT dehydrated, wait for 30-60 minutes before trying again. Stop if the child vomits again, bring to see a doctor.
Can I give anti-vomiting medicine?
No, some of these medicine are suitable for children, and can be harmful at times.
Can I give anti-diarrhoeal medicine?
Most diarrhoeal illness lasts 3-6 days. Don't worry if your child acts well and is eating and drinking as usual. If he develops danger signs, do bring him to see a doctor.
What is the ORS sachet that my doctor has given?
ORS is Oral Rehydration Salt, if follow instruction correctly, this rehydration regime contains a perfect balance of salt, sugar and water for children suffering from diarrhoeal illness. The small amount of sugar and salt helps the water to be absorbed faster from the gut into the body. Do not use flat soda drink or sugary juice, which may have make the diarrhea worse. Extra fluids need to be given with ongoing diarrhoea or vomiting.
What about zinc supplement or probiotics?
Probiotics and zinc supplement have been showed to be beneficial in some countries, but as an adjunct treatment to rehydration regime, and needs to be taken under medical supervision.
Will antibiotics help?
Most acute diarrhoeal illnesses are caused by viruses, so antibiotics rarely help, and may make symptoms worse. However, in exceptional, e.g. those with dysentery (stools mixed with mucus and blood), antibiotics may be used.
Preventive measurements for diarrhoeal disease
- Exclusive breastfeeding is known to reduce acute diarrhoea episodes for those under 2-year-old.
- Good hand hygiene practice: wash your hands before- and after- meals; wash your hands before- and after-meals, wash your hands after been to toilet.
- Good hygiene practice for food preparation and storage.
- Rotavirus vaccines: There are two types of vaccines available in the market, and are given to children from 2-month-old. (Please ask your doctor for further details)
Danger signs (watch for the following signs, if they are present, please bring your child to see a doctor)
- A fever >39*C
- Blood in the stool or vomit
- Green vomit
- Persistent vomit >12-hour or diarrhoea >2-day
- Abdominal pain or distension
- Having wet nappies <6 times a day
- Refuse to drink anything you offer
- Has a dry sticky mouth
- Has sunken eyes
- Acts very tired and not interested in playing
- Looks like he has lost weight
