Toddler Diarrhoea
Toddler diarrhoea is a common medical condition that usually affects children ages 12-30 months, which generally resolves upon reaching four years of age. Most cases are considered mild and can be easily managed at home. However, there are conditions that need hospitalization in order to prevent serious complications like dehydration.
Infections from viruses, bacteria, and parasites are among the common causes of toddler diarrhoea. The use of antibiotics, along with food allergies, food poisioning, food intolerance, and too much intake of fruit juices, can also lead to the condition. Toddler’s diarrhoea can also occur when new foods are introduced or when there is a change in diet. Toddler diarrhoea usually does not affect weight. Toddlers afflicted by the condition continue to grow normally and outgrow it.
Toddler Diarrhoea Symptoms
Symptoms of the condition usually depend on the factors that caused its occurrence. Below are some of the common symptoms that arise including those that need immediate medical attention.
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Loose and watery stools that occur more than three times a day. The condition is considered severe when the passing of these kinds of stools reach eight times in one day.
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Vomiting and nausea, or vomiting alone.
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Pain and cramping in the abdominal area.
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Fever which is often accompanied by chills.
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Complaint of toddlers regarding aches felt all over the body.
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Blood, mucus, or pus in stools
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Fussiness, frequent crying, and irritability.
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Poor appetite
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Bloating, passing of frequent gas, and greasy stools
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If food allergies have caused the condition, symptoms include rashes, swelling, hives, and breathing difficulties.
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Toddlers who have diarrhoea that is caused by food poisoning will experience breathing difficulties, general feeling of tiredness, convulsions, and unconsciousness.
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Dehydration
Toddler Diarrhoea Treatment
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Oral rehydration therapy helps in replacing lost electrolytes and fluids. There are special fluids for toddlers that can be purchased in pharmacies without any prescription. Parents can also offer their toddlers clear fluids such as water, clear broth, and white grape juice.
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Avoid feeding for a few hours to allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle down.
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Introduce the BRAT diet which consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and unbuttered toast. These are considered bland foods that will not further upset the stomach, and are considerably rich in potassium. Potassium is usually lost in toddlers who have diarrhoea.
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Avoid giving fruit juices. If the toddler will not consume water, these can be given as a last resort, but should be diluted to cut down sugar content. Sugar can aggravate diarrhoea.
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For toddler’s diarrhoea, increasing fiber and fat intake can help in managing symptoms.
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Antibiotics and other forms of medications are given for severe cases that are caused by infections, allergies, and poisoning.