Diarrhea can be defined as
frequent loose or watery bowel movements that deviate from a child’s pattern.
Childhood acute diarrhea is mostly caused by infection of the small and/or
large intestine.
It is a symptom of
infections caused by a host of bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms, most
of which are spread by feaces-contaminated water. Rotavirus,
E.coli, Cryptosporidium, and Shigella species are among the common pathogens. Other
causes include malnutrition, poor personal hygiene, food poisoning/ allergy,
unsafe and domestic water storage, food intolerance, and reaction to drugs e.g.
antibiotics.
Three clinical types of diarrhea include;
- Acute diarrhea that lasts several hours or days
- Acute bloody diarrhea also called dysentery
- Persistent diarrhea that lasts up to 14days or longer
The signs and symptoms
include frequent loose, watery stools, abdominal cramps, abdominal pain, fever,
bleeding, bloating, nausea, weight loss, dizziness from dehydration.
It can also be a symptom of
other disease conditions.
~Dr. Favvy
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