What medicine should a child take for indigestion and diarrhea?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

For childhood indigestion and diarrhea, one can initially use intestinal probiotics to modulate the gut flora, such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus. Additionally, zinc supplementation can be provided to promote the repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Another option is to administer Smecta to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. Digestive medications can also be given, such as Chinese medicinal herbs like hawthorn, Shenqu, and malt to aid digestion. Furthermore, it is important to ensure the diet consists of easily digestible foods.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
1min 2sec home-news-image

Clinical manifestations of childhood diarrhea

Pediatric diarrhea is caused by a variety of pathogens and factors, characterized by an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and changes in the characteristics of stools. It is one of the most common diseases in infants and young children in China, with a high incidence in infants and young children from six months to two years old, half of which are under one year old. It is one of the main causes of malnutrition and growth and development disorders in children. Diarrhea has some common manifestations, including loss of appetite, occasional regurgitation or vomiting, increased frequency of bowel movements, watery or thin stools that are yellow or yellow-green, some with a sour smell. In severe cases of diarrhea, it is important to check for dehydration and electrolyte disorders, as well as symptoms of systemic infection and intoxication, such as fever, irritability or lethargy, drowsiness, pale complexion, and even coma and shock.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
44sec home-news-image

Moderate dehydration manifestations in children with diarrhea

In cases of moderate dehydration due to diarrhea in children, some common clinical manifestations include sunken eye sockets. If the anterior fontanelle has not closed in infants under one year old, it may appear sunken, and there can be a decrease in skin elasticity, dry lips and mucous membranes, and a reduction in urine output. Some may also experience increased heart rate, dry mouth, and a preference for drinking. In this situation, it is crucial to promptly rehydrate, primarily through oral rehydration. If oral rehydration is difficult, intravenous rehydration should be administered, while also maintaining the balance of water and electrolytes.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
46sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
48sec home-news-image

Children's diarrhea is divided into two major categories.

Childhood diarrhea is categorized into infectious and non-infectious diarrhea. Common infectious diarrhea is caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Non-infectious diarrhea often includes allergic diarrhea, diarrhea caused by food intolerance, and diarrhea due to lactose intolerance. Less commonly, some malignant diseases can cause gastrointestinal dysfunction leading to diarrhea. Among children, infectious diarrhea is more prevalent, especially viral diarrhea caused by rotavirus during the summer and autumn seasons. Additionally, bacterial infections such as those caused by Escherichia coli and Shigella (bacterial dysentery), often related to poor hand hygiene, are examples of infectious diarrhea.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Dong Xian Yan
Pediatrics
44sec home-news-image

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.