Treatments For Diarrhea In Children

With time and common sense diarrhea in children will stop.

Diarrhea in children can be disturbing to parents and agonizing to the child involved, but in reality there is really not too many treatment options to quicken the passing of the illness. Diarrhea is most often caused by bacterial infections caused by ingesting contaminated food or water, but there are many others as well. Viral infections, food intolerances, reactions to medicines, parasites and intestinal diseases such as Crohn's disease and colitis may be the culprit of diarrhea in children and require a physician to diagnose properly. Under no conditions should over the counter diarrhea medications intended for adult ever be given to children of any age.

For the most part, common bouts of diarrhea in children are resolved with time and rest. It is imperative that during this time a parent guard against a child becoming dehydrated, making certain that fluids taken exceed the amount lost by the diarrhea. Pedialyte is an excellent aid in this, as are sports drinks that are low in sugar content and replace electrolytes. An ages old remedy for children with diarrhea is to place the child on what is known as the BRAT diet, consisting of bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast. These foods tend to slow the progress of the diarrhea over several days, while ensuring a child receives proper nourishment. Another excellent home remedy for diarrhea is to give a child a small amount of yogurt frequently, as the bacteria present in yogurt can aid in speeding up the time in which a child is ill.

In every instance of childhood diarrhea it is important to ensure the child is getting proper nutrition while remaining constantly hydrated. In babies and infants especially, diarrhea can become a serious health issue rapidly requiring emergency medical attention. In fact, nearly all cases of infant diarrhea should involve a trip to a pediatrician in the name of safety. It is usually recommended that the diets of infants not be changed during bouts of diarrhea unless altered at the request of a physician. In circumstances where a child experiences diarrhea for more than 3 days, has a temperature of 102 degrees or more, or shows signs of dehydration, medical attention should be sought without delay as the health of small children can deteriorate rapidly.

In children that are old enough to understand, diarrhea can be prevented in many instances by practicing simple hygiene measures, such as basic hand washing.