Diarrhea in children in Kenya is a common health issue worrying most of our Kenyan mothers.
Diarrhea is characterized by the frequent passage of loose or watery stools.
It is one of the leading causes of deaths in under 5s.
It can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, dietary choices, allergies, and other underlying medical conditions. Here’s some information about diarrhea in children:
Diarrhea in children is classified into two:
- Acute diarrhea which is 3 or more loose stools daily which is either mucoid (has mucus), watery or bloody.
- It is a common, preventable cause of childhood death.
- It is of sudden onset and lasts between 5-7 days.
- It may be associated with or without vomiting
- The diarrhea may be continual or may come and go.
2. Chronic diarrhea which is passing loose, watery stool three or more times a day for at least 4weeks.
- It is often as a result of an underlying condition e.g. food allergies, lactose intolerance.
- It can affect children at any age.
Causes:
In Kenya, most common causes of diarrhea in children include:
- Infections: Viral or bacterial infections are the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhea in infancy and childhood worldwide. Bacteria like Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Salmonella are also common culprits.
- Dietary Factors: Consuming contaminated food or water can lead to acute diarrhea. Additionally, introducing new foods or changes in a child’s diet can cause temporary digestive disturbances.
- Allergies: Food allergies, particularly lactose intolerance or an allergy to certain proteins, can trigger diarrhea in some children.
- Medications: Some medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect. Antibiotics, for example, can disrupt the balance of gut bacteria.
- Underlying Conditions: Chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and celiac disease can lead to persistent diarrhea in children.
Signs and symptoms:
- Frequent, watery stools
- Abdominal cramps or pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Fever (in some cases)
- Dehydration: Watch for signs like dry mouth, reduced urine output, sunken eyes, no tears and lethargy.
- Reduced consciousness
Treatment:
Dehydration is the most common complication of childhood diarrhea in Kenya and world wide.
Severe dehydration requires urgent IV fluids therapy and frequent monitoring.
- Fluids: Rehydration is crucial to prevent dehydration, especially in children. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are recommended, as they help replace lost electrolytes. Zinc sulphate is also important in management of diarrhea in children.
- Diet: Continue breastfeeding or formula feeding, as well as offer easily digestible foods like rice, bananas. Avoid fatty, spicy, and dairy-rich foods temporarily. Ensure the child’s diet has adequate fruits and fluids.
- Medication: Over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications are generally not recommended for children, especially younger ones, without a doctor’s approval.
- Medical Care: If diarrhea is severe, persistent, accompanied by blood or mucus, or if the child shows signs of dehydration, seek medical attention as soon as possible.
N.B If you are a worried mother whose child has the above signs and symptoms, you can book an appointment with us at https://hellodaktari.co.ke and we will be able to give your child the right management as well as give you the mother the correct advice.
Prevention:
- Hygiene: Teach children proper handwashing techniques to prevent the spread of infections.
- Food Safety: Ensure that food is prepared, stored, and cooked safely to avoid foodborne illnesses.
- Vaccination: Vaccines like the rotavirus vaccine can significantly reduce the risk of severe diarrhea caused by rotavirus.
- Hydration: Encourage regular fluid intake, especially in hot weather or when a child is sick.
It’s important to remember that if your child is experiencing diarrhea, it’s best to consult a healthcare professional, especially if the symptoms are severe, persistent, or accompanied by other concerning symptoms. They can provide appropriate guidance and treatment based on your child’s specific situation.
Phone: +254 723662062
Email: info@hellodaktari.co.ke