children s health issues
Diarrhea in Children
Treatment of Diarrhea in Children
Specific causes of diarrhea are treated. For example, if children have celiac disease, gluten is removed from their diet. Antibiotics that cause diarrhea are stopped if a doctor recommends it. Gastroenteritis due to a virus usually disappears without treatment. Drugs to stop diarrhea, such asloperamide, are not recommended for infants and young children. Because the main concern in children is dehydration, treatment is focused on rehydrating by giving fluids and electrolytes ( see also Dehydration in Children ). Most children with diarrhea are successfully treated with fluids given by mouth (orally). Fluids are given by vein (intravenously) only if children are not drinking, are vomiting a lot, or are severely dehydrated. If children are also vomiting, small, frequent amounts of fluid are given at first. Typically, 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) is given every 5 minutes. If children keep this amount down, the amount is gradually increased. If the child is not vomiting, the initial amount of fluid does not need to be limited. With patience and encouragement, most children can take enough fluid by mouth to avoid the need for intravenous fluid. However, children with severe dehydration may need intravenous fluids. As soon as children have received sufficient fluids and are not vomiting, they should be given an age-appropriate diet. Infants may resume breast milk or formula. In children with chronic diarrhea, the treatment depends on the cause, but providing and maintaining adequate nutrition and monitoring for possible vitamin or mineral deficiencies are most important. 