Medicine for a Four Year Old Child With Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by a sudden change in bowel habits that results in frequent, watery bowel movements. Diarrhea often occurs as the result of virus, bacterial infection, ear infection, parasite, antibiotic reaction, excessive amounts of fruit juice or a food allergy or intolerance.

Features

• Diarrhea may be accompanied by other symptoms such as stomach cramps, vomiting and fever.

Preventing Dehydration

• The most important concern with diarrhea is dehydration. Offer water often. If diarrhea occurs more frequently than every two hours, offer an electrolyte solution such as Pedialyte. Sugar-filled drinks such as sodas or juice may make diarrhea worse.

Proper Nutrition

• A child with diarrhea should consume a regular diet. The BRAT-Y diet (only bananas, rice, applesauce, rice, toast and yogurt) may be effective in treating diarrhea until it clears up.

Avoid Medications

• It is not safe to give preschoolers antidiarrheal medications. These may actually make diarrhea worse in children.

Warning

• Most cases of diarrhea run their course within a few days. Diarrhea that persists for more than a week or is accompanied by blood in the stool should be evaluated by a doctor.

Probiotic Treatment

• Supplements such as Culturelle, found at a pharmacy or health food store, contain Lactobacillus bacteria. According to Dr. Sears, this supplement can be given to children to regulate the digestive system. Consult a physician before using this supplement.