Diarrhea and Dehydration

It is diarrhea season and my office is packed with parents needing advice! Diarrhea is one of the most common winter illnesses. The classic abrupt diarrhea illness lasting about a week is often caused by a virus. In 2004, The Journal of American Medical Association reported that dehydration is one of the leading causes of illness and deaths in children throughout the world. This is because replacing lost fluids in a child can be problematic in countries with limited access to intravenous fluids. As a result, The World Health Organization (WHO) adopted Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORT) in 1978. This treatment of viral diarrhea is still the most effective treatment of mild to moderate dehydration. ORT consists of giving children electrolyte solutions by mouth frequently to combat their loss of fluids.

Children will often clear diarrhea themselves without much intervention. But one of the most important things to remember is that, while they are healing, they need to have fluid and electrolytes replaced. Don’t give plain water to children! Oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Infalyte and Rehydralyte are the best solutions to replace their losses of salt, sugar, potassium and other electrolytes. Don’t worry about their drop in appetite – it’s normal. As they begin to recuperate, they will get their appetite back. You should allow your child to drink as much as they want. However keep in mind that some diarrhea illnesses have a degree of vomiting with them. Because of this it’s better to give your child sips of liquid every 20 minutes.

Parents should keep oral rehydration solution in their home at all times. I keep some in an emergency bag in my car as well. Replacing fluid losses with rehydration solutions is appropriate for mild to moderate dehydration. Only your child’s doctor can assess the degree of dehydration your child may have and advise you with specific recommendations. Call your doctor if your child has:

1. High fevers and bloody stools
2. Frequent vomiting
3. Frequent diarrhea
4. Abdominal pain
5. Dry mouth
6. No tears when crying
7. Less than 6 wet diapers per day
8. Lethargic
   

Don’t forget to wash your hands!!

Dr. Sheila Cason