10 tips against childhood diarrhea

• April 23, 2024

In Mexico 60% of cases of diarrhea It occurs in the months of heavy heat and rain. Although this is a disease that almost always subsides spontaneously, complications (particularly, dehydration in children) cause significant mortality rates, that is, one in six deaths in children under five years corresponds to this condition.

The infectious agents that cause the diarrhea they are usually transmitted through the fecal-oral route; that is, through the ingestion of water or food contaminated with fecal matter, or through direct contamination of hands or objects.

Is disease It is very common to be present in children and can be registered for various reasons such as virus , infections , sensitivity to food or antibiotics, and excessive consumption of fruit juices.

Liliana Worona Dibner, head of the Department of Gastroenterology and Nutrition of the Children's Hospital of Mexico gives you 10 preventive measures to combat it:

1.- Feed the child with breastmilk during the first 6 months of life. Among the multiple advantages of this food is that of providing defenses against infections gastrointestinal

2.- In case of requiring bottles, it should be taken into account that these constitute an excellent culture medium for bacteria causing the diarrhea , so all remaining food should be discarded, washed thoroughly with soap and water and sterilized; It is enough to boil them for 20 minutes in a bowl with plenty of clean water.

3.- Keep the food well covered and refrigerated, because the microorganisms can be transported by insects or by dust; In addition, these multiply rapidly especially in hot weather.

4.- Carefully wash your hands with soap and water after going to the bathroom, changing the baby's diapers and before eating or handling food.

5. Boil water for 20 minutes to drink, or consume bottled water

6.- Wash fruits and vegetables with soap and water; if they are eaten raw, leave them in a container in chlorinated water for 20 minutes.

7.- Consume only well-cooked or fried foods, prepared hygienically. Avoid eating raw fish or seafood or processed foods on public roads.

8.- Use bathrooms, latrines or any other means that ensures the isolation of feces.

9.- If the diarrhea is presented, we must continue with the normal diet and administer abundant fluids to prevent dehydration .

10.- Having Oral Serum Life sachets at home is the most effective way to avoid dehydration. The average child should be offered a cup or whatever they accept after each evacuation.

In case of suffering a diarrhea severe, especially among children and the elderly, it is very important to consult the doctor or go to a health center as soon as possible.

It is important to monitor the appearance of the early signs of dehydration as: increased thirst, decreased urine volume, sinking of the eyes and rejection of food.

Protect your family from these diseases by including healthy habits in your life!

Follow us on Twitter Y Facebook .

If you are interested in receiving more information on this topic, do not hesitate register with us.

Video Medicine: How to Care for Your Child's Condition : How to Treat Diarrhea & Stomach Pain in Children (April 2024).