CHILD’S HEALTH/BOWEL DISORDERS: DIARRHOEA TREATMENT
The most important thing to remember about treating diarrhoea is to make sure that the child has enough to drink. The best fluid to use is an oral rehydration fluid such as Gastrolyte. This can be bought over the counter from the chemist. Make sure that you make up the liquid carefully according to the instructions on the packet.
If Gastrolyte is not available, then diluted lemonade or fruit juice can be used. You should use 1 part of lemonade or juice to 4 parts of water. An alternative is to mix 1 level teaspoon of sugar in 120 ml of water. Do not use full-strength lemonade or fruit juice — this may make the diarrhoea worse and can be harmful.
If you have a young baby who is breastfed, you should continue to breastfeed but offer extra oral rehydration fluid between feeds. For babies that are bottle-fed, oral rehydration fluid should only be given for the first 24 hours and then full strength milk reintroduced, but with extra oral rehydration fluids given between feeds.
Food can generally be given after one to two days’ treatment with oral rehydration fluid, especially if the child is hungry. It is generally best to start with bland foods such as plain biscuits, bread, rice, potato, or jelly. Other foods can be added gradually.
When to see your doctor
It is always wise to consult your doctor if your child has diarrhoea, especially if the child is under 3 months old.
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Tags: General health