How should pediatric diarrhea be treated?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 22, 2024
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For childhood diarrhea, initially probiotics can be administered to adjust the intestinal flora, commonly used probiotics include Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus acidophilus. Next, it's important to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, for which oral smectite powder can be given. Additionally, diarrhea can easily damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, so it's appropriate to supplement with zinc or folic acid to promote the repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is also important to ensure fluid replenishment to maintain hydroelectrolytic balance, commonly using oral rehydration salts which can replenish both fluids and electrolytes. Attention should also be paid to the child’s mental response and urinary output.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What's causing a child's diarrhea and vomiting?

When a child has diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, we first consider the symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. In this situation, we need to analyze the cause. The most common cause is often rotavirus infection. Rotavirus is a self-limiting disease, and treatment is primarily symptomatic, focusing on fluid replenishment to maintain electrolyte balance. It is also important to pay attention to the baby's mental state, responsiveness, and urination. Additionally, we need to be cautious of vomiting and diarrhea caused by intestinal bacterial infections, such as food poisoning, which can present similar symptoms. If a bacterial infection is suspected, we must promptly administer sensitive antibiotics for the infection treatment, while also focusing on symptomatic treatments such as fluid and electrolyte replenishment.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can children with diarrhea eat eggs?

Diarrhea in children indicates that their gastrointestinal function is significantly weak, and their ability to absorb nutrients such as starch, fat, and protein is notably poor. Therefore, during a child's diarrhea period, it is recommended to provide some light, easily digestible food, and to avoid spicy, cold, or greasy foods, as well as high-protein and high-starch foods. While some eggs can be appropriate for children with diarrhea, the quantity should not be excessive. Additionally, some children may experience diarrhea due to allergies to certain proteins, in which case it is advised not to consume eggs.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Treatment methods for childhood diarrhea

Firstly, it is important to pay attention to the baby’s response and the condition of their urination. If the baby shows poor spirit response and less urination, it often indicates dehydration, which can be mild, moderate, or severe. Generally, mild to moderate dehydration can be treated with oral rehydration solutions, which include electrolytes replenishment. However, in cases of severe dehydration, which may suggest hypovolemic shock, emergency intravenous fluids are necessary to expand blood volume, and it is crucial to go to the hospital promptly. Additionally, oral probiotics like bifidobacteria can be administered to regulate the intestinal flora. Montmorillonite powder can also be given to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa and stop diarrhea. If bacterial infection is suspected to be the cause of diarrhea, appropriate antibiotics should be used to treat the infection, which can be administered orally or intravenously depending on the severity of the infection. Meanwhile, the baby's urination, spirit response, skin elasticity, and symptoms of dry mouth should be closely monitored to comprehensively evaluate the treatment effectiveness.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Why should zinc be supplemented for children with diarrhea?

Childhood diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal disease. After controlling the diarrhea in children, it is generally necessary to supplement with zinc for about ten days. During the diarrhea, the intestinal mucosa is damaged by pathogens. Zinc can promote the repair of the intestinal mucosa, while preventing the child from experiencing diarrhea again in the short term. Therefore, it is very important to supplement with zinc after childhood diarrhea. Additionally, while supplementing zinc, it is also very necessary to supplement other trace elements.

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Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
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What should I do if a child suffers from food retention, vomiting, and diarrhea?

When children experience vomiting and diarrhea due to food stagnation, it is best to take them to the hospital for treatment. Through traditional Chinese medicine's syndrome differentiation and corresponding medicinal treatments, one can orally administer ready-made Chinese medicines that eliminate food stagnation. At the same time, probiotics can be taken orally to regulate the intestines. In terms of diet, it is advisable to focus on light, easily digestible, and nutritious foods. Avoid greasy, fried foods, seafood, and spicy or irritating foods. It is beneficial to eat small, frequent meals, avoid strenuous activities, and keep the child's abdomen warm to prevent catching cold.