Patient's question:
My son has been receiving intravenous fluids for pneumonia for 8 days and has not yet returned to normal. He has developed intestinal inflammation. The doctor recommends further intravenous treatment, but his scalp is no longer suitable for it. How should the treatment be adjusted? Please advise. Thank you. Urgent!Doctor's answer:
Hello:Treatment for Pediatric Enteritis:
1. Antibiotics: Bacterial enteritis can be treated with antibiotics. Due to the gradual change in bacterial resistance, medication should be guided by a doctor and taken as prescribed. Some patients stop medication as soon as their symptoms improve, only to develop chronic colitis due to insufficient treatment, which may take a long time to heal and affect the child's nutrition and health.
2. Intravenous Infusion: The most dangerous complication of diarrhea is dehydration, and children are more prone to dehydration than adults. Severe cases can lead to dehydration exceeding 10% of body weight, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. Rehydration can reduce the mortality rate to below 5%, making intravenous infusion the best treatment for diarrhea. During severe illness, the intestines are swollen and unable to absorb fluids, leading to frequent diarrhea after drinking water. In such cases, intravenous treatment is essential to replenish saline and glucose; alkaline solutions are added if acidosis is severe, and potassium supplements are given if potassium is deficient. In addition to providing nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes, intravenous infusion also has a role in stopping diarrhea. When all oral anti-diarrheal medications are ineffective, intravenous infusion becomes the best alternative.
3. Diet: During severe diarrhea, food should be temporarily withheld to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest. After the condition improves, start with rice water or diluted skim milk, gradually increasing the concentration. Prolonged fasting should be avoided to prevent malnutrition, and vitamin supplementation should also be noted. Some children, especially those with allergic diarrhea, may require special dietary treatment under the guidance of a doctor. While pediatric diarrhea may seem common, it is also one of the most deadly diseases. Severe cases should not be treated with self-medication but must be seen by a doctor for diagnosis and prescription.
Antibiotics and other treatments can be administered.