HOW TO PREVENT DIARRHOEA IN AN INFANT
Diarrhea occurs when stools contain more water than normal. Diarrhea is also called loose or watery stools; frequent passing of normal stools is not diarrhea. The number of stools passed in a day varies with the diet and age of the child. In many regions diarrhea is defined as 3 or more loose or watery stools in a 24-hour period .How do you know is diarrhea? First you need to know what a normal stool pattern is for your baby. Usually their stool pattern is dependent on the die, when they start eating solid foods the stool starts to firm up. One way to know if your baby has diarrhea is when your baby passes stool more than usual and the stool is looser, more watery than usual. The danger to diarrhea is dehydration; you have to ensure your baby is always hydrated.
Causes of diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by the following:
Viral infections such as rotavirus, influenza.
Bacterial infections
Parasites
Too much juice
Allergy from food
Signs of Dehydration
-sunken eyes
-in young babies, a sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on their head
– Few or no tears when they cry.
– A dry mouth.
-Fewer wet nipples.
-Dark yellow urine.
Treatment
-Give oral rehydration salt solution and keep breastfeeding If the baby is still breastfeeding.
-Ensure nipples and feeding bottles are properly washed and sterilized; this helps to prevent the growth of bacteria.
-If diarrhea should persist after 14 days, that is persistent diarrhea, ensure you see your doctor.