Diarrhoea in Children: A Complete Guide for Parents

Diarrhoea in Children: A Complete Guide for Parents

Hello, dear parents. I am Dr. Mayur Kumar Goyal, child specialist in Ajmer. At my clinic, MAYUR CHILD CARE CENTER, one of the most common problems I see in children is diarrhoea, which we often call loose motions.

As a parent, it is heartbreaking to see your child unwell and unable to tell you what exactly is wrong. I see your worry, and I want to help. This guide will explain everything you need to know about diarrhoea in a simple way.

What Exactly is Diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea means passing loose or watery stools three or more times a day. It happens when germs (like viruses or bacteria) irritate your child's stomach and intestines. While it is the body's way of getting rid of the germs, it also causes the loss of vital water and salts from the body.

Why is Diarrhoea Dangerous for Children?

The biggest and most serious problem diarrhoea can cause is dehydration. This means your child's body loses more fluid than it takes in. Young children can become dehydrated very quickly, which can become serious if not treated.

How to Spot Dehydration: Important Signs for Parents

You are the first person who can see if your child is getting dehydrated. Please look for these signs:

• Passing less urine: Fewer wet nappies than usual. For a baby, less than 6 wet nappies in 24 hours is a warning sign. For an older child, if they don't pass urine for 6-8 hours, be alert.
• Dry mouth and tongue: The inside of the mouth will look and feel dry, not wet and shiny.
• No tears while crying: When your child cries, especially a baby, no tears come out.
• Sunken eyes: The eyes may look deep and have dark circles.
• Unusual behaviour: Your child may become very tired, weak, drowsy, or extremely irritable and fussy.
• Cold hands and feet: The skin may feel cool to the touch.

Dr. Mayur's Home Care Advice: What to Do When Your Child Has Diarrhoea

For mild cases, you can successfully care for your child at home by following these steps:

1. Focus on Fluids, Not Food: The most important thing is to keep your child hydrated.
   • For Babies: Please continue breastfeeding or formula feeding. You can also give Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) between feeds. Breast milk is the best medicine.
   • For Older Children: Give small sips of ORS frequently. You can also offer buttermilk (chaas), lentil water (dal ka pani), or coconut water. ORS is the best as it replaces the lost salts perfectly.
2. Offer Gentle Foods: Once your child is taking fluids well, you can offer small amounts of easy-to-digest food.
   • Good choices are khichdi, plain rice with curd, banana, apple sauce, or boiled potatoes.
   • Remember the new rule: "Feed a gut infection." Giving food helps the intestine heal.
3. Keep Them Clean and Comfortable:
   • Let your child rest as much as possible.
   • If your child wears diapers, change them immediately after every loose stool. Use a good barrier cream like zinc oxide to prevent a painful nappy rash. For persistent issues, learn about diaper rash treatment.

When You Must Call Your Child Doctor in Ajmer: The Danger Signs

Please do not wait if you see any of the following signs. Call me immediately.

• You see signs of dehydration (as listed above).
• Blood or mucus in the stool.
• High fever that does not come down.
• Frequent vomiting and inability to keep any liquids down.
• Severe stomach pain that doesn't go away.
• Your child becomes very lethargic, floppy, or difficult to wake up.

For urgent cases, don't hesitate to visit our emergency services.

What You Should Avoid Doing

• Do not give sugary drinks like cola, packaged fruit juices, or sweetened sports drinks. They can make the diarrhoea worse.
• Do not give any adult anti-diarrhoea medicines to your child. They can be dangerous for children.
• Do not stop breastfeeding or formula milk.

My Final Words to You

Dear parents, I know how anxious you feel when your child is sick. My best advice is to trust your instincts. You know your child better than anyone else. If you feel that something is not right, even if you are not sure, please do not hesitate. It is always better to be safe and call your doctor. A quick conversation can ease your worry and set you on the right path.

My door and phone are always open for you. Let's work together to keep your little ones healthy and happy.

With warm regards,

Dr. Mayur Kumar Goyal
Consultant Pediatrician & Neonatologist

My Clinic in Ajmer:

MAYUR CHILD CARE CENTER

• Monday to Saturday: 9 AM - 12:30 PM and 5 PM - 8:30 PM
• Sunday: 10 AM - 2 PM

📞 Call for Appointment: +91 90249 88677, +91 89559 66990

🌐 Website: https://drmayurkumargoyal.com/

For more helpful articles on child health, check out our blog page with topics like digestion problems in children and preventing childhood illnesses.