Diarrhea in Children: A Common Condition During the Summer

     Diarrhea is a condition that can occur across all age groups. The rising environmental temperatures during the summer months create favorable conditions for diarrhea-causing bacteria to multiply and spread rapidly. In addition to bacterial causes, various viruses such as rotavirus and norovirus can also lead to gastrointestinal infections.

The Cause of Diarrhea

     Consuming unclean water, undercooked food, or leftovers, or failing to wash hands before meals significantly increases the risk of infection in children. Infected children may experience diarrhea more than three times a day, sometimes over several consecutive days. In severe cases, blood may be present in the stool, and immediate medical attention should be sought.

Symptoms of Acute Diarrhea

• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days (in some cases accompanied by blood)
• Headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting
• Cramping abdominal pain
• In some cases, the presence of skin rashes
• Signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth, fatigue, weakness, rapid pulse, and reduced urination

Common Factors of Abnormal Bowel Movements

• Infections e.g., rotavirus, Salmonella bacteria
• Food poisoning due to bacterial toxins contaminating food\
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Other medical conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and celiac disease

Oral Rehydration and Avoidance of Anti-Diarrheal Medications

When children or patients experience severe diarrhea, the body loses significant amounts of fluids, leading to dehydration. Rehydration with oral rehydration solutions (ORS) helps replenish lost fluids and electrolytes, easing fatigue and aiding recovery. Other symptom-specific medications may also be used as needed.

• For mild cases, oral rehydration is sufficient to compensate for fluid and electrolyte loss.
• Avoid anti-diarrheal medications in mild cases, as they may prevent the expulsion of waste or pathogens from the intestines.
• Consume easily digestible, bland foods.
• Avoid dairy products, spicy foods, and fermented items.
• For severe symptoms, medical consultation is necessary to determine the correct diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Rotavirus Vaccine: A Preventive Shield for Children

     Although there is no specific antiviral medication for rotavirus, vaccination is widely used to lessen the severity of symptoms in children. The oral rotavirus vaccine is typically administered to infants starting from 6 weeks of age and comes in two formats:

• Type I 2 doses at recommended ages of 2 and 4 months
• Type II 3 doses, with the final dose administered by 8 months of age

Note: Each dose should be spaced at least 4 weeks apart.

“Cooked Food, Shared Utensils, and Clean Hands” – Key to Prevention

• Avoid leftover or improperly stored food; always consume freshly cooked meals
• Use serving spoons or separate utensils when sharing food
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap or disinfect with alcohol spray before eating

By adopting these practices, the risk of diarrheal illness, especially in children, can be significantly reduced.