Diarrhoea

The main symptom of diarrhoea is the frequent passage of loose, watery stools and the condition is a sign of irritation of the intestines. Bear in mind, however, that it is quite normal for breastfed babies to pass frequent watery stools.

Diarrhoea in a baby is always serious because of the danger that the baby may become dehydrated. If accompanied by vomiting in a young child is also serious for the same reason, especially if it is accompanied by fever and sweating.

What to do about diarrhoea

Seek medical advice immediately if your baby is under one year old and has had diarrhoea for six hours, or if a child has diarrhoea with fever and vomiting, if he still has diarrhoea after 12 hours, or if the stools are greasy or contain mucus or blood. Give your child frequent small sips of an oral rehydration solution. This contains sugar and electrolytes that help reduce the amount of fluid lost as well as replacing fluid in the body.

Pay close attention to hygiene. The infection could spread throughout the family if your child doesn't wash his hands after going to the toilet or if you don't wash yours after changing his nappies.

Dr Miriam Stoppard

New Babycare
Copyright © 2009 Dorling Kindersley
Text copyright © 2009 Miriam Stoppard

Posted 03.11.2010

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