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Diarrhea is a fairly common problem in children. Its causes may be different – malnutrition, intestinal infections, taking certain medications, an allergic reaction to certain foods.
Types of diarrhea in a child
According to their varieties and origin, the following types of diarrhea are distinguished: infectious, alimentary, dyspeptic, toxic, drug-induced and neurogenic.
Non-infectious
Non-infectious types of diarrhea include: alimentary, dyspeptic, toxic, drug-induced and neurogenic.
infectious
Diarrhea can be caused by a viral or bacterial intestinal infection.
Viral infections include:
- adenovirus infection. In this disease, the virus infects the intestinal mucosa, upper respiratory tract, and eyes. Against the background of elevated temperature, abdominal pain and diarrhea are added to the symptoms of a cold (sore throat, cough, runny nose).
- Rotavirus infection or “intestinal flu” manifests itself in the form of fever up to 38-39 ° C, diarrhea, vomiting.
- Enterovirus infection also manifests itself in the form of flu-like symptoms, that is, sore throat, runny nose, cough, to which vomiting, diarrhea, and bloating are added.
The most common bacterial infections include:
- Sam’monellez – intestinal infection, the causative agent of which is Salmonella.
- Dysentery-infection, caused by bacteria of the genus Shigella, which affect the mucous membrane of the large intestine.
Causes of diarrhea in a child
Diarrhea in a child is a serious problem that should not be underestimated. However, do not confuse diarrhea with a single liquid stool, which can occur when the child has taken unfamiliar food. Loose stools usually do not cause significant discomfort to children.
Consider the most common causes of diarrhea in children.
Infectious diarrhea usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection and is most often accompanied by fever.
Alimentary diarrhea can occur with a prolonged violation of the diet, a monotonous diet poor in vitamins, as well as in the event of an allergy to certain foods (strawberries, strawberries, eggs, nuts, etc.) or drugs (for example, iodine, sulfonamides, antibiotics, etc.).
Dyspeptic diarrhea occurs in secretory insufficiency of the gastrointestinal tract. This condition develops when the stomach, pancreas, liver or intestines do not produce enough enzymes to break down and digest food.
Toxic diarrhea can be caused by poisoning with heavy metals (for example, mercury, arsenic) and other toxic substances – nicotine, ethyl alcohol. The cause of toxic diarrhea can also be the accumulation of endotoxins in the body, for example, with chronic uremia (increased blood urea due to kidney damage).
Medical diarrhea develops with prolonged use of antibiotics, which disrupt the normal intestinal microflora and contribute to the development of dysbacteriosis.
Neurogenic diarrhea caused by a violation of the nervous regulation of bowel function. This type of diarrhea can develop under the influence of negative emotions (anxiety, fear, excitement).
Treatment of diarrhea in a child
With the development of diarrhea in children under 1 year of age, hospitalization is necessary, since the loss of a large amount of fluid can be life-threatening for the child.
How to treat drugs
Treatment of diarrhea in older children is primarily aimed at eliminating the cause that caused it. For example, taking enzymes with insufficient production by the stomach (pepsin), pancreas (pancreatin, panzinorm, festal, mezim, etc.).
With alimentary diarrhea and allergic reactions to foods or drugs, adsorbents are indicated, such as Enterosgel, activated charcoal, Smecta, Neosmectin, Laktofiltrum, etc.
With diarrhea of bacterial origin, the doctor may prescribe antibacterial drugs.
In case of dysbacteriosis, it is recommended to prescribe drugs containing intestinal bacteria, bifikol, bifidumbacterin, etc. General strengthening therapy in the form of a vitamin complex can also be prescribed. In case of indigestion, enzyme preparations festal, mezim forte, creon, etc. should be used.
Since a child loses a lot of fluid during diarrhea, it must be replenished with drinking saline solutions (regidron, glucosan, cycloglucosan).
How to treat at home
Before the doctor arrives, the baby can be given an antipyretic, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen. Since the body loses a lot of fluid during diarrhea, which can be very dangerous in children under 3 years old, the child must be given mineral water without gas, cooled boiled water or Regidron. Before the doctor arrives, you can give the child an adsorbent – Enterosgel, Smecta, Neosmectin, etc.
Prevention of diarrhea in a child
The main cause of intestinal infections is non-observance of personal hygiene rules. From an early age, a child must be taught to wash hands before eating, after going to the toilet and walking in the air. Food products must be subjected to thorough heat treatment. Wash fresh fruits and vegetables thoroughly in running water before eating. Subject to all these simple rules, the likelihood of intestinal infection will decrease several times.