Diarrhea is generally defined as the loss of the normal shape of the stool and an increase in its quantity and frequency. The most important cause of diarrhea that occurs in childhood is intestinal infection. Apart from this, food poisoning, nutritional disorders, systemic infections, antibiotics and allergies can cause diarrhea. Medicana Bursa Hospital Child Health and Diseases Specialist Dr. Reyhan Akpınar gave information about the subject.
Most diarrheas are diseases that go away on their own in a short time, without the need for investigation or tests. Infectious diarrhea is classified as viral, bacterial and parasitic.
Viral diarrhea: is the most common cause of diarrhea, there are usually no leukocytes and erythrocytes in stool examination. It is most commonly caused by rotavirus, adenovirus and enteroviruses.
Bacterial diarrhea: usually occurs in the summer months. Leukocytes and erythrocytes can be seen in stool examination, the most common causes are e. coli, shıgella and salmonella.
Parasitic diarrhea: These are usually caused by E histolytica. Leukocytes and erythrocytes are seen in the stool.
Clinically, diarrhea may include fever, nausea-vomiting, weight loss, abdominal pain, desire to defecate, and fecal incontinence.
On physical examination, fever, weakness, tongue and lips may be observed. There is dryness, increased bowel sounds, collapse of the fontanel, dry skin and extreme restlessness may occur in babies with severe fluid loss.
Microscopic examination, screening of stool with rapid diagnostic tests and culture examination are important in determining the cause of diarrhea. In such cases, it is important to check blood count, CRP and electrolytes.
The most important goal in the treatment of diarrhea is to prevent diarrhea and replace lost fluid and electrolytes. For many patients, replacing fluids and electrolytes is sufficient to treat diarrhea. Liquid sugar to be given orally in case of diarrhea should contain sodium, potassium and chlorine. Except for severe cases, soups can be used to replace fluid loss. Fluid intake is supported by salty crackers, rice and potato foods. Initially, milk and dairy products, except breast milk, should be avoided.
Foods such as wheat, corn, rice, oats, potatoes, bananas and saltine crackers should be consumed until the stool is formed. used until. Fruit-type foods should be avoided as they may increase diarrhea.
Children who are breast-fed should continue to take milk. When giving food, foods with low lactose content should be given.
Food and liquid intake should not be stopped to stop diarrhea in children.
Electrolyte loss can be compensated with oral rehydration fluids (ORS) prepared at home or purchased from pharmacies.
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Children with persistent vomiting, diarrhea with bloody mucus or high fever should be taken under medical supervision. Parenteral fluid therapy should be initiated in cases of severe dehydration, confusion, electrolyte imbalance, acidosis, prolonged oliguria, anuria, sepsis and severe malnutrition.
The main reason for using antimicrobials in the treatment of diarrhea today is to reduce enteric symptoms, daily number of diarrheas and disease duration in appropriate cases.
Many studies conducted in recent years have shown that probiotics are effective in preventing diarrhea.
Since diarrhea is generally transmitted through contaminated water, food and close contact, washing hands frequently and consuming foods thoroughly after washing them. Foods that have not been prepared in appropriate environments should not be consumed.
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