BENGALURU: Have your children been suffering from diarrhoea of late? If a child is experiencing sudden symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Diarrhoea cases have increased over the past two weeks. Parents are advised to be cautious, especially during summer vacations when children and parents travel frequently.
When visiting grandparents or relatives, ensure your children consume safe food and water. Monitor their intake closely, as diarrhoea cases have surged in children’s hospitals.
Paediatrician’s advice:
- Increased water consumption
- Safe and clean food and water intake
- Maintaining hand and mouth hygiene
- Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to prevent dehydration
Precautions to prevent diarrhea:
- Wash hands after using the toilet.
- Maintain a strong immune system.
- Diarrhoea and pneumonia can be life-threatening for children under five.
- Consult a doctor if diarrhea is not controlled.
Dr Chandan, paediatrician, said that diarrhoea means watery stools three or more times in a day in 24/7 hours. “The summer season has already begun, and vacation has started for children. Children go to the waterpark, swimming, and eat street food, so viral infection is common. Most commonly caused by viral infection, which is rotavirus, it can be seen in children less than two years old. Vaccination is very important for them”, he said.
He further said, “Bacteria are common in street food like panipuri. Also, people should not eat processed food, cheese, burgers, etc. It is better to give homemade food and should maintain hygiene. Parents should make children drink lots of water to balance dehydration in the body or ORS. Parents should not go for antibiotics, and doctors should examine stool before prescribing any medicines. Watermelon juice, tender coconut water, and avoid spicy food. Don’t go for self-medication, and avoid tea and coffee and going to crowded places”.
