 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | | Treatment for DiarrheaFluid Replacement. If diarrhea develops, prevention of dehydration is the most important first step. In severe cases, dehydration can be life threatening, particularly in children. Agitation may be an early symptom. Severe indications include listlessness and a weak pulse. Parents should seek medical help immediately if the child appears to be dehydrated. Fluid replacement must use solutions that contain the important minerals potassium, sodium, and calcium. The following are some suggestions: - A recipe that is useful for fluid replacement calls for two glasses of fluid: the first containing 8 oz. of fruit juice, 1/2 tsp. of honey or corn syrup, and a pinch of salt; the second filled with 8 oz. of purified or carbonated water and 1/4 tsp. of baking soda. The traveler should drink alternately from each glass until the thirst is quenched.
- Parents with small children should bring commercial oral rehydration solutions such as Pedialyte, Lytren, Gastrolyte, or Ricelyte. Products containing rice flour work slightly faster than others. If the child finds the taste unpleasant, adding a half-teaspoon of Jell-O or Kool Aid to sweeten the solution does not appear to reduce its benefits.
- Adding a soluble fiber supplement and eating as soon as possible helps the intestine to absorb water and is beneficial for children and adults.
- Children with diarrhea should not drink apple juice, colas, or sports beverages, which do not contain the proper balance of salts and sugar.
Helpful Foods. Foods that help slow diarrhea include rice, wheat, bananas, salted crackers, and mashed potatoes. Text Continues Below
Contrary to popular advice, adding some milk (but not soymilk) to these foods may help many children. In fact, eating yogurt that contains active lactobacilli cultures may have positive benefits. (However, yogurt drinks in less developed countries may carry a high risk for contamination.)
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