Kids - Diarrhoea 3

Breast-fed babies:

  • have watery stools with some mustard consistency curd-like material on top.
  • may also pass some intermittent green stools.
  • may have up to 10 to 12 stools per day.
  • If a breast-fed baby is fussy and having persistent green and more watery stools than normal, this may indicate an infection.
  • A brand new nursing baby should have 4 to 12 stools per day once mother's milk is "in".
  • If the baby is only having one or two stools per day, this may mean your baby is not getting enough milk

Food poisoning :

    • Classically caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus.
    • Food, especially dairy and meat products left at room temperature become contaminated with this bacteria.
    • There is sudden onset, within 1 to 6 hours, of a lot of diarrhea, abdominal cramps and nausea or vomiting. The symptoms improve within 8 to 24 hours.
    • There are other forms of food poisoning like E.coli O157 from undercooked meats where the child may become very ill and have severe, bloody diarrhea.  These children need immediate medical evaluation and may need hospitalization.

Causes:

  • The majority of diarrheal illnesses are caused by a virus.
  • If there is blood or mucous in the stools, bacteria may be a source for the diarrhea.
  • Parasites may also cause diarrhea.
  • Stool cultures will often be obtained if the diarrhea is present more than one week, if there is a history of exposure to some bacteria or parasite, or if there is blood or mucous in the stools.
  • Diarrhea may also be caused by excess fruit juices, food allergy / intolerance or medications (especially antibiotics)

Contagious:

  • Alert your doctor if you have done any unusual travel, there is a possibility of food poisoning, there are other contacts with diarrhea, or the child has been on recent antibiotics.
  • Diarrhea due to viruses may last up to a week or sometimes longer. At times, there can be fluctuation between diarrhea and almost normal stools for a few days.
  • Children are contagious with diarrhea caused by viruses for a day or two before the onset of diarrhea, and as long as they have diarrhea. Hand washing is key to reduce passing it on to others
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