Diarrhoea: A Guide
Salaam and good morning everyone
So as much as I like all of your kids I really think it’s better to meet each other in the shops instead of the hospital. The chances of meeting me in the hospital are higher around this time of year because of gastro season. We say someone has acute gastro or diarrhoea when they pass more than 3 loose/ watery stools in a day and the wards are full of pooping kids.
You might have had or are currently having diarrhoea or someone you know has it, but what you need to know that diarrhoea in children is a huge issue. Kids have very little body water compared to us so when they have diarrhoea they can get very sick very quickly and Paediatricians are always on high alert for this condition.
Some important ways to prevent is to practice good food and hand hygiene. You do this by regular hand washing (kids and adults) before and after eating, and drinking/ cooking with clean water. Another important way is to make sure your baby is up to date with their vaccines especially the RV vaccine, which is the Rotavirus vaccine, this virus can be nasty guys. Breastfeeding is always super important and is highly protective against getting sick with diarrhoea, so if you can breastfeed please continue.
Remember this letter is just information, if you are concerned about your child’s well being then always rather go to your nearest clinic, GP or emergency centre early instead of later and dealing with regret. Remember getting diarrhoea is part of life so it’s important to know as much about it as possible.
Some red flags to consider is if your child is pooping bloody diarrhoea, they are not able to drink or keep in fluids, they are too tired and weak and not playing then rush to seek urgent help.
A good way to manage diarrhoea at home is fluids fluids fluids! When they have diarrhoea, kids are losing water, sugar and salts from their body fast and they need to replenish that quickly. If it is breastfeeding baby then just continue breastfeeding. If not breastfeeding then you need to make a sugar- salt- water solution for them to drink after each poop or vomit to replenish their fluids.
The recipe:
1L cool boiled clean water + 8 teaspoons sugar + 1/2 teaspoon salt and mix well.
This is just extra on top of their daily diet and drink slowly.
So this was a quick guide to everything about diarrhoea in children, remember to seek medical help earlier than later and good luck.
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Always remember how fortunate you are and be grateful for the little positive things in your life. The children in Palestine, Sudan and places even closer to home are going through some devastating trauma and will only wish for to play in a safe home. If you are by the means to donate to help then follow the link below, if not that’s fine too but at least make a prayer for those parents and children suffering.
https://giftofthegivers.org/where-we-work/palestine/
Have a lekker week and remember you are doing the best for your child!
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