How Do You Treat Diarrhea & Stomach Pain In Children?
Diarrhea is characterized by the passing of several watery or loose stools within a short period of time. Children often suffer from diarrhea as the result of viral or bacterial infection. Diarrhea may also occur as the result of a parasitic infection, an ear infection, a food allergy, excessive juice or fruit intake or as a side effect to some antibiotics. Diarrhea is often accompanied by stomach pain. Give the child extra liquids to prevent dehydration. Water and Pedialyte are good choices. Pedialyte helps the body maintain the proper balance of fluids and electrolytes. Dehydration can be monitored by weighing an infant or child daily to determine whether the child has lost more than 5 percent of his weight. Also, dehydration may be indicated if the child is not urinating as much as usual. Make notes concerning the child’s weight, the number of diarrhea episodes, the appearance of diarrhea stools, other symptoms and the home treatments used. These notes will be helpful if the child s
