Question
My child, who is 7 years old, has been experiencing diarrhea for the past two days, with about 3 to 5 bowel movements a day. The pain is severe, and the stools are not formed, watery, and very yellow. Moreover, the child has been passing gas frequently, which has even stained their underwear yellow. I would like to know what kind of assistance can be provided: What could be the cause of a child having diarrhea for two days?
Answer
The cause of the child’s diarrhea may be an infectious enteritis or dysentery. To determine the cause, it is recommended to undergo a stool test to rule out these possibilities. If diagnosed with bacterial enteritis, cephalosporin antibiotics may be required, and if it is dysentery, treatment at a infectious disease hospital is necessary. Additionally, probiotics can be given to adjust the intestinal flora. If vomiting is severe, Simethicone can be taken to stop diarrhea. It is also important to monitor for signs of dehydration such as reduced urine output, lack of energy, and poor skin elasticity. If these symptoms occur, immediate hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy is required. In terms of diet, choose light, soft, and easily digestible foods and avoid fatty and irritating foods.