Question
My child has been suffering from diarrhea for five days. What should I do? How is the child generally doing now? Is the formula they drink during the diarrhea suitable for all types of diarrhea? Are there any precautions to be aware of? Thank you.
Answer
If a child has diarrhea, the first thing to do is to ensure they stay hydrated. Despite their small size, children have a vigorous metabolism, and if diarrhea persists or is severe, dehydration can occur, affecting adults as well. Therefore, start by giving them water or rice porridge, and add a small amount of salt and electrolytes. If they dislike the taste, you can add a bit of sugar. In terms of diet, children should eat less medication and avoid becoming a “medicine pot,” tackling diarrhea simply through their diet. They should avoid high-nutrient and irritating foods. Some parents worry that their child may lose nutrients after diarrhea and give them many high-nutrient foods like milk, fish, and meat, but this can actually increase the burden on their gastrointestinal system and prolong the duration of the diarrhea.