How Do You Treat A Childs Diarrhea?
Diarrhea is unpleasant and embarrassing for children; it can also cause severe dehydration or signal other health problems. Treatment is fairly straightforward, though ‘ just follow these instructions and give your child lots of extra hugs, too. Try to determine the cause of the diarrhea. Could your child have food poisoning or stomach flu? Could he be reacting to a new food in his diet? Act quickly to prevent dehydration. If your child is a breast-fed baby or toddler, nurse him as often as possible and remove all other foods from his diet for a few hours. Offer an oral electrolyte solution to prevent dehydration for an older child or non-nursing baby or toddler, and avoid other foods for a few hours. Offer your child an over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication if necessary. Ask the doctor or pharmacist about medications that are safe to give your child. Give your child something to eat about eight hours after you begin treatment. Stick to bland foods until he’s feeling better.
