Diarrhea in Toddlers and the Possible Causes

Diarrheal disease in infant turns rank as a second cause of death in children under five, after pneumonia (pneumonia). Although quite common in infants and toddlers, diarrhea is no longer a disease that can be taken lightly.

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That's why you need to know the cause of diarrhea, the importance of providing care when children suffering from diarrhea and conduct preventive actions. WHO (World Health Organization), the World Health Organization, explained clearly about the signs of diarrhea, namely defecating in a liquid form that is experienced by more than three times a day, lasts for two days or more.

Diarrhea becomes dangerous when children are often issue liquid stools, causing his lack of fluids or dehydration. These conditions are often the cause of death in young children, especially if the removed fluid containing blood. Discharge of blood means your child's life in danger; the diarrhea condition with such symptoms should immediately get medical help.

Causes of diarrhea in children:

1. Viral infection.

Virus called rotavirus can cause diarrhea. WHO data mentioned that the virus is the cause of 15-25% of diarrhea in children aged 6-24 months.

2. Bacterial infections.

Bacteria such as Shigella, Vibrio cholerae, Salmonella, E. coli is a bacterium that causes diarrhea child. Generally diarrhea caused by bacterial infection is followed by symptoms of seizures and bloody stools.

3. Parasites in the bowel.

Diarrhea can also be caused by microscopic parasites that live in the intestines. Symptoms appear usually flatulence as lots of gas in stomach, and much amount of stinking feces.

4. The use of antibiotics.

If during the use of antibiotics your child has diarrhea, this could be related to the treatment. Antibiotics in the child's body can kill the good bacteria in the intestines. What can be done is to consult a doctor about this. Treatment should not be stopped before the doctor gives approval.

5. Food and beverage.

Child’s stomatch may not have been able to accept food or drink that is different from the usual. The food which is too sour, sweet, spicy or salty could be the cause of childhood diarrhea. In infants, when introduced complementary foods, often a side effect of diarrhea, because his stomach was 'shocked' with a new food or drink.

6. Food allergies.

Food allergy-like egg, soy, peanut, and fish- can cause various reactions, one of which is diarrhea. But it’s usually only a short symptom or just happened a few hours until the consumed food removed from the body.

7. Food intolerance.

In contrast with food allergies, food intolerance is not affected by the immune system. One example of food intolerance is the lactose intolerance because the child’s body is not enough to produce lactose, an enzyme needed to digest lactose. Diarrhea can be one of the symptoms of food intolerance.

Knowing the dangers of diarrhea in toddlers and possible causes can help parents to be more careful, anticipate, and handle it properly.