Question
A child experiences abdominal pain after eating leftover vegetables and has been suffering from persistent diarrhea for a week. The parent notices signs of dehydration and suspects a possible severe potassium deficiency. In this situation, how should parents reasonably deal with the child’s diarrhea and potassium deficiency issues?
Answer
When faced with a child’s persistent diarrhea, the primary task is to actively treat the diarrhea itself, as other issues such as potassium deficiency often resolve naturally as the diarrhea improves. It is recommended that parents thoroughly inspect the child’s stool to determine whether the diarrhea is caused by functional dyspepsia, inflammation, or viral factors. Treatment can be targeted only after a clear diagnosis. Additionally, parents should avoid stimulating food in daily meals to alleviate the child’s discomfort.