If there is a sudden increase in the number and looseness of your baby or toddler's stools, you can use some home remedies for diarrhea. This is a condition of excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes from the body due to frequent bowel movements. It commonly affects both children and adults of all ages. Its impact on the human body ranges from mild to severe and life-threatening. However, with sufficient fluids and appropriate medication, most cases can be treated effectively. Additionally, diarrhea is a common condition that occurs when stool contains too much water. The causes can vary, but medical treatment is not necessarily necessary. Find out how you can respond quickly by trying these tested methods and remedies.
Alternative to medication through home remedies for diarrhea for children
The large intestine is designed to absorb water so that stool has shape and consistency. Sometimes the stool absorbs too much water, causing diarrhea. Soft stools cannormal with a change in dietbe. However, if your child has loose or liquid stools at least three or more times a day, it is likely diarrhea. The best treatment for your child's diarrhea may depend on its cause, but there are ways to relieve symptoms. Learn how to treat diarrhea in children, including advice on anti-diarrheal medicines, home remedies and thebest foodsthat you can give to your child.
Possible causes of diarrhea in children
When children get diarrhea, the condition is usually considered acute. This means it lasts from a few days to a week. The most common cause of acute diarrhea is some type of infection, be it viral, bacterial or parasitic. In addition to stomach problems, diarrhea in children can also occur due to other problems. These include food allergies, lactose intolerance, high sugar intake, artificial sweeteners or certain antibiotics.
However, chronic diarrhea can last longer than 2-4 weeks, but is rare. Like acute diarrhea, the chronic condition can be caused by a bacterial, viral or parasitic infection. However, chronic diarrhea could also be triggered by underlying inflammation in the body, genetic or autoimmune diseases such as celiac disease or inflammatory bowel disease, as well as functional gastrointestinal diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome.
When is medical treatment necessary?
Typically, no medication is necessary to treat diarrhea in children. In most cases, acute infectious diarrhea stops when the body clears the infection. In addition, diarrheal illness is like a cough with a cold. The intestines try to get the bad stuff out of the infection inside. If your child's diarrhea persists for more than a few days, contact your pediatrician to determine the cause and the best treatment. For chronic diarrhea, your doctor may suggest dietary changes, medication, or other ongoing treatment.
In general, antibiotics are not used to treat infectious diarrhea in children. Always consult your doctor before giving your child over-the-counter diarrhea medications such as Imodium and Pepto-Bismol. Probiotics may be helpful for some types of infectious diarrhea. You can purchase probiotics in liquid and pill form over the counter. However, make sure to buy the children's version. Consult your doctor before using probiotics if your child is younger than 3 years old. Do not give any medication to children under 3 years of age without first consulting your doctor.
What diet or home remedies for diarrhea are suitable for children
There is no specific food, drink, or home remedy that will stop your child's diarrhea. The best treatment for your child's diarrhea is supportive care. To relieve the symptoms of diarrhea, you should primarily focus on the following treatment strategies:
- Keep your child hydrated
- Offer your child a variety of nutritious foods
- Recognize the triggers or problem foods
Additionally, the body loses salts and electrolytes during diarrhea, so it is very important to help your child stay hydrated. Avoid juice and other sugary drinks. To keep a child with diarrhea hydrated, offer plenty of fluids, such as water, broth, or soup, as well as pediatric electrolytes in liquid or freezer bag form. If your child has diarrhea, in addition to drinking enough fluids, it is important to give them a healthy, balanced diet. In the past, doctors suggested a diet containing bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast as a solution to help children with diarrhea. However, today many people advise against it. Instead, they continue to recommend parents provide a nutritious, balanced diet for their little ones. There is evidence that the intestines heal when the child gets enough nutrients.
Treat small children and babies with diarrhea
For breastfed babies and toddlers, breast milk remains an excellent nutritional option for diarrhea. Breast milk is easily absorbed and contains more nutrients than store-bought products. However, parents should remember that infants, especially newborns, are very susceptible to dehydration with diarrhea. So if you notice a change in your baby's stool pattern, you should contact your pediatrician.
In certain cases of diarrhea, the pediatrician may suggest a dairy-free or low-sugar diet for the short term. If your child's diarrhea persists, try keeping a food diary. In some people, certain foods can trigger diarrhea. For example, some patients with irritable bowel syndrome find that high-fat, high-sugar, or spicy foods are more likely to cause problems. Gluten or dairy products can trigger diarrhea in some children. If you feel that a particular food is a problem for your child, write it down and discuss it with your doctor.
How fiber works as a home remedy for diarrhea
Fiber is often used to regulate bowel movements and, depending on the type in the diet, can be used for both constipation and diarrhea. For example, pectin, a naturally occurring substance in foods, can also help thicken stool. Additionally, certain high-fiber foods can help slow your child's diarrhea. High-fiber foods that can help with diarrhea include: peeled apples, bananas, barley, oats, beans, peas, and peeled sweet potatoes. Also discuss with your pediatrician whether dietary fiber supplements are suitable for your child.
Further tips for preventing diarrheal diseases
Washing your hands is key to preventing the spread of infections. Therefore, always wash yours and your little ones' hands before eating, feeding, touching or cooking. You should also always wash your hands after contact with vomit or stool. Also wash your hands after using the toilet or changing diapers. Help young children wash their hands after using the toilet. You should also cook any type of poultry before it comes into contact with children. Additionally, you should never serve chicken that is still pink inside. The reason for this is that in developed countries, undercooked poultry is a common cause of diarrhea in children and adults due to salmonella.
