Diarrhoea in Children
Acute diarrhoea is one of the leading causes of child morbidity in India. It is defined as 3 or more loose/watery stools per day. Dehydration from diarrhoea is the main danger. At Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi, our paediatricians manage childhood diarrhoea and dehydration effectively.
Common Causes
- Rotavirus (most common in young children – prevented by vaccination)
- Bacterial: E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter
- Parasitic: Giardia, Amoeba
- Food poisoning
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhoea
Assessing Dehydration
No Dehydration
Normal activity, good urine output, drinks normally. Manage at home with ORS.
Some Dehydration
Restless and irritable, sunken eyes, drinks eagerly. Treat with ORS (75 ml/kg over 4 hours).
Severe Dehydration (Emergency)
Lethargic or unconscious, sunken eyes, very dry mouth, unable to drink. Requires IV fluid replacement in hospital.
Home Management
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
- Give ORS frequently in small sips
- WHO ORS sachets mixed in 1 litre clean water
- For infants: 50–100 ml ORS after each loose stool
- Continue breastfeeding throughout
Zinc Supplementation
Give zinc syrup/tablets (10 mg for <6 months, 20 mg for >6 months) for 10–14 days – proven to reduce duration and severity of diarrhoea.
Diet
Continue age-appropriate feeding. Do NOT fast or restrict diet. Rice, banana, yogurt are good options.
When to Go to Hospital
- Child under 6 months with diarrhoea
- Signs of severe dehydration
- Bloody diarrhoea (dysentery)
- High fever
- Persistent vomiting (unable to keep ORS down)
- Not improving after 2 days
Expert paediatric care at Dashvanth Healthcare Delhi: 011-41670042
