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first aid for diarrhoea
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Pediatric Medicine
Question #16278
3 days ago
30

first aid for diarrhoea - #16278

Vihaan

I am really confused about what to do for my son. He’s just turned 6 and outta nowhere, he came home from school with really bad diarrhoea! Like it started when he had lunch and within an hour he was rushing to the bathroom every 10-15 mins. I felt awful because I wasn’t sure if he ate something bad or if it was a stomach bug. I’ve given him some clear fluids like water and broth, but is that enough first aid for diarrhoea? He seems super tired and just wants to sleep. I read somewhere that dehydration can be a big worry with this, and I’m kinda freaking out because I don’t want him getting worse. Should I be checking for signs of dehydration, like dry mouth or fewer wet diapers? I mean, I know the basics, but should I also be considering any specific foods once the diarrhoea kinda calms down? I heard bananas and rice are good? Is that true or is there more effective first aid for diarrhoea? I just want to make sure I’m doing everything right for him, you know? Ugh, parenting is tough sometimes! Any tips from doctors on what I should be doing would be super helpful!

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Doctors’ responses

When managing diarrhoea in children, especially young ones like your son, the main concern is often dehydration, so you’re on the right track by offering clear fluids. Things like water, chicken broth, and oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are often recommended because they help replace lost fluids and electrolytes. It might be a good idea to continue offering these regularly to prevent dehydration—small sips frequently can make a big difference. Monitoring for signs of dehydration is indeed crucial. Apart from dry mouth and fewer wet diapers, look out for lethargy, irritability, sunken eyes, and no tears when crying, all of which can indicate a need for more urgent rehydration or possibly medical evaluation. If his condition seems to worsen, or you’re noticing any of these signs, it might be prudent to reach out to a healthcare provider. Regarding diet, when his diarrhoea begins to abate, transitioning to the BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet can be helpful, as these foods are bland and easier on the stomach. Bananas and rice are often recommended because they are binding, which may aid in firming up stools. However, once he’s stable, introducing a normal balanced diet typically leads to a quicker recovery than sticking to a restricted diet for long. Remember to avoid fatty, spicy, or overly sugary items which can irritate the digestive system. If he shows any signs of severe symptoms or you have any doubts, don’t hesitate to contact a doctor to ensure he’s on the road to recovery. Lastly, if there’s any persisting pain, blood in stools, or high fever, these can be considered red flags, needing prompt medical attention. Keep observing how he progresses and adjust as needed.

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