Most cases are usually
due to a viral infection. The most important
thing to remember is to avoid dehydration
by providing adequate amounts of the correct
type of fluid. Try to use fruit juice or
flat lemonade or a rehydration formula such
as Rehydrate or Dioralyte and, contrary
to what many people believe, avoid pure
or boiled water. Sweetened drinks are preferable
because they are absorbed at around twice
the rate of water. These drinks also contain
essential salts and ions such as Potassium
that are lacking in water. A sign that your
child is ok and not overly dehydrated is
the ability and need to pass urine.
Diarrhoea in very young
children and babies needs careful attention.
Most babies have loose bowel action during
their first six months due to a predominantly
liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery
diarrhoea should be treated by taking the
baby off solids and feeding them a solution
of water with a teaspoon of sugar and half
a teaspoon of salt. If symptoms persist
for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied
by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor.
Most stomach upsets will
pass in around 24 hours following this advice
and your child will suffer no harm. If you
are concerned about your child's diarrhoea
you are of course welcome to seek a consultation
at the Health Centre to rule out more serious
causes.
If your child's diarrhoea or vomit
should contain blood we recommend you seek medical
attention from the Health Centre or Doctors on Call
service. |
