May , 2018 | Dr. Mohammed Yunus Kafil | Primecare Hospital
What is Diarrhoea ? Diarrhoea is when your stools become loose or watery. The definition of diarrhoea is passing loose or watery stools three or more times in a day.
What is dehydration ? Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid/ water than you take in and your body doesn’t have enough water to carry out its normal functions. If you don’t replace fluids, you will get dehydrated. Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, especially in young children and older people.
Who are at higher risk for dehydration ? Small children and old age people are at risk of becoming rapidly dehydrated. They require immediate medical attention.
What is the most common route of infection ? Infectious diarrhoea is most commonly spread by “Faeco oral route”. It gets spreaded by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with viruses or bacteria.
Is there any vaccination available to prevent diarrhoea ? Vaccination is available against rotavirus, which is the most common organism causing diarrhoea in young children below five years. The vaccine is given as three doses as part of the routine childhood immunisation schedule at six weeks, 10 weeks and 14 weeks of life.
What diet should be taken in Diarrhoea ? Food should be easily digestible and it should be taken in small quantities at shorter intervals. Breastfeeding to be continued in young infants. Cow’s milk/ regular formula milk is to be avoided if diarrhoea persists for more than one week. Low lactose formula/ Soya milk can be given in such cases. Easily available, culturally acceptable, palatable and energy dense foods can be offered. Example- Khichri with extra oil, mashed potatoes with oil, mashed banana, curd rice, bread and other cereals can be taken. Food with high fibre content like fruits and vegetables are avoided
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