What's causing a child's diarrhea and vomiting?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on December 13, 2024
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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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
1min 11sec home-news-image

What medicine is effective for children's diarrhea?

In cases of childhood diarrhea, it is crucial first to identify the cause. Generally, it is categorized into infectious and non-infectious diarrhea. If it is suspected to be infectious diarrhea, it can be further divided into viral enteritis, bacterial infections of the intestines, and possibly fungal enteritis, among others. Typically, viral enteritis has a self-limiting course and does not require special medication treatments. The primary treatment includes hydration and maintaining electrolyte balance, and possibly using probiotics to regulate the intestinal flora as symptomatic treatment. If bacteria infection causes the enteritis, sensitive antibiotics are required for the infection. For non-infectious diarrhea, specific medications targeting the cause of the condition are used, such as lactase supplements for diarrhea caused by lactose intolerance and providing special formula milk for diarrhea. If the diarrhea is due to allergies, it's essential to avoid the allergens in the diet. Therefore, every case needs to be analyzed based on its specific circumstances. (Medication should be administered under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Can children with diarrhea drink milk?

When a child experiences diarrhea, it indicates an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and a change in the nature of the stools. The first principle of treating diarrhea is to continue feeding the child, so it is acceptable for children who drink cow's milk to continue doing so. However, if the diarrhea persists for a long time and the child develops lactose intolerance, it may be considered to switch to a diarrhea-specific formula, which is lactose-free, as this will be more beneficial for the child's recovery from diarrhea. Normally, it is possible to continue giving cow's milk, as the feeding must continue to ensure the child's adequate nutritional needs. Otherwise, fasting the child and providing nothing to eat, coupled with diarrhea, can quickly lead to dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte imbalances.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Feng Hai Tao
Pediatrics
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Can children with diarrhea eat eggplants?

Children should not eat eggplants during diarrhea. First, because eggplants are cool in nature, consuming eggplants could lead to increased gastrointestinal burden on babies, facilitating diarrhea which further intensifies the gastrointestinal load and worsens the diarrhea. Second, eggplants can trigger allergies. Eating eggplants during such sensitive times can exacerbate gastrointestinal stress if an allergic reaction occurs, leading to more severe diarrhea. Third, eggplants are not easy to digest; eating them may hinder the recovery of gastrointestinal functions in babies and increase the burden, causing intensified diarrhea. Therefore, it is best for children with diarrhea to avoid eggplants and instead choose light, easily digestible foods. Avoid raw, cold, spicy, or allergy-triggering foods, keep children warm, and use appropriate treatments and rehydration measures to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.