Summer Diarrhea

During the summer months, an increase is seen in certain infectious diseases in children, especially diarrhea.

It is generally seen in children between the ages of 0–5 and may cause serious fluid loss, especially in children under the age of 2.

As the temperature and humidity increase during summer, the number of microorganisms and the toxins they produce increase depending on food storage conditions. In addition, traveling, swimming in pools, and swimming in the sea increase the risk of infection.

Symptoms

Diarrhea can be defined as having more than three loose stools per day. In diarrhea caused by viruses, there are usually many watery stools, while in bacterial and parasitic infections the stool may be mucous-like and sometimes bloody. High fever, vomiting, and loss of appetite may also accompany the condition.

Since small children have a higher proportion of water in their bodies, fluid loss can occur more quickly. In addition to feeling thirsty, dry mouth, weakness, sleepiness, decreased amount and frequency of urination, and darker urine may indicate dehydration. In these cases, a healthcare institution should be consulted.

Nutrition and Treatment in Diarrhea

Some substances in breast milk protect against diarrhea and help recovery. The risk of diarrhea is higher in babies who are not breastfed. In case of diarrhea, breastfeeding must continue and the baby should be breastfed frequently. Even if there is vomiting, breastfeeding should not be stopped.

For older children, plenty of water, ayran, and herbal teas are recommended. Foods that help balance water and mineral loss should be consumed. Apples, peaches, bananas, boiled potatoes, rice porridge, and yogurt are rich in minerals such as potassium.

Probiotic medications are used in treatment. In children with mucous or bloody stools and high fever, a stool test is performed and the appropriate treatment is selected. In cases where the child cannot take fluids by mouth or has severe dehydration, intravenous fluid therapy may be required.

Prevention

  • Make sure that the water used to wash food and drinks is clean.
  • Food should not be left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
  • As much as possible, avoid consuming food sold outdoors.
  • The sea should be preferred over swimming pools, and the cleanliness of pools should be ensured.
  • Pay attention to hand hygiene and teach children to wash their hands after using the toilet and before meals.
  • In addition, babies at 2 months of age should receive the Rotavirus vaccine.