Question
What causes pediatric diarrhea? How can effective preventive measures be taken to prevent a recurrence?
Answer
Pediatric diarrhea, also known as bacterial dysentery, is an acute gastrointestinal infection characterized by abdominal pain, tenesmus, and the passage of bloody mucus stools. It is commonly seen in children and often occurs during the summer and autumn months, although it can also be seen in winter and spring. Modern medicine believes that pediatric diarrhea is primarily caused by Shigella bacteria, which can be transmitted through contaminated water, food, and hands from patients or carriers. Flies also play a significant role in the transmission between feces and food. Children with malnutrition or gastrointestinal parasitic infections are more susceptible to this disease. Clinically, dysentery can be categorized into acute and chronic types, with a course lasting over two months being considered chronic bacterial dysentery. To effectively prevent pediatric diarrhea, attention should be paid to personal hygiene, avoiding the consumption of potentially contaminated food and water, and enhancing children’s nutritional intake to increase their resistance.