Bilecik Education and Research Hospital Child Health and Diseases Unit Specialist Dr. Esra Akkaya Yılmaz said that diarrhea, which is an important issue in terms of child health, is a common problem worldwide. Explaining that this condition, which is especially common in children under the age of 5, affects the quality of life of children and causes serious health problems, Child Health and Diseases Unit Specialist Dr. Esra Akkaya Yılmaz continued her words as follows;
“Diarrhea is defined as more than three watery stools in 24 hours or more frequent and watery stools than usual in babies who are exclusively breastfed. In addition to diarrhea, patients may experience fever, vomiting, nausea, abdominal pain and weakness. It can develop due to swallowing pool or sea water, drinking dirty water, consuming foods washed with dirty water, consuming openly sold or spoiled foods. Summer diarrhea in children lasts 3 to 7 days. Children who are constantly vomiting, cannot feed, have bloody diarrhea and have signs of dehydration should definitely see a doctor. So what are the signs of dehydration in children? They can be listed as dry mouth and lips, tendency to sleep, sunken eyeballs, rapid pulse and decreased urine output. The most important step in diarrhea treatment is to replace the patient’s fluid and electrolyte loss. If the child with diarrhea is breastfeeding, breastfeeding should definitely continue. During this period, fatty foods and packaged foods should not be consumed. The most common foods that are good for diarrhea are potatoes, bananas, rice porridge and yogurt. The use of probiotics, which are said to shorten the duration of diarrhea, is also recommended.
“FOODS SHOULD NOT BE STORED IN PLACES WARMER THAN 4 DEGREES, SHOULD BE HEATED SUFFICIENTLY AND CONSUMED WITHIN ONE HOUR WITHOUT LEAVING TO WAITING”
Child Health and Diseases Unit Specialist Dr. Esra Akkaya Yılmaz continued her statement, “Improving hygiene conditions and washing hands are very important to protect against diarrhea. Hands should definitely be washed before feeding the child, after changing diapers or using the toilet. Leftover baby food should not be used, bottled water or boiled water should be drunk. Food should not be stored in places warmer than 4 degrees, should be heated sufficiently and consumed within an hour without waiting. The most common cause of diarrhea, which is a frequent cause of significant morbidity and mortality in children, is viruses. The most important cause among viruses is rotavirus. For this reason, rotavirus vaccination is another option for protection. It is recommended not to come into contact with sick individuals and not to go to nurseries or schools while sick for this disease, which is transmitted by fecal-oral route.” (İHA)