Patient's question:
For half a month, diarrhea has started since 10 days ago. During severe periods, it was up to 7 or 8 times a day, with watery, egg-like stools. Sometimes, a little stool would also accumulate in the urine. In the past few days, it has improved slightly, with about 3 episodes per day, but it is still a bit runny. The baby's is okay, though they are eating a bit less than usual and can still sleep without crying. It has been nearly 10 days already, but the doctor hasn't been able to specify the exact cause.Doctor's answer:
Disease Analysis: Autumn is a high-incidence season for infantile diarrhea, commonly referred to as "autumnal diarrhea." This disease manifests as sporadic or small-scale outbreaks and is transmitted through the fecal-oral route. It can also be contracted through respiratory infections via aerosols. The incubation period is 1 to 3 days. It primarily affects infants aged 6 to 24 months, with cases in children over 4 years old being rare. The onset is abrupt, often accompanied by fever and upper respiratory infection symptoms, without significant toxic symptoms. Initial vomiting may occur, usually preceding diarrhea. The stool is frequent, abundant in volume and moisture, appearing as yellow, watery, or egg-like with minimal mucus and no foul odor. This condition is self-limiting, with a natural course of approximately 3 to 8 days.Guidance: The treatment principles for diarrhea include: ① preventing dehydration; ② correcting dehydration; ③ maintaining adequate nutrition; ④ rational medication. Based on these principles, for mildly ill infants with no obvious dehydration, the following home treatment measures can be adopted:
1. Provide the infant with sufficient oral fluids to prevent dehydration. The following fluids can be used:
① Salted rice water solution: Preparation method: 500 ml of rice water + 1.75 g of fine salt; or 25 g of cooked rice flour + 1.75 g of fine salt + 500 ml of water, boiled for 2 to 3 minutes. Prevention of dehydration: Initially, give 20 to 40 ml/kg in small, frequent doses, to be completed within 4 hours. Thereafter, provide fluids as the infant can tolerate.
② Sugar saline solution: Preparation method: 500 ml of boiled water + 10 g of sugar (2 teaspoons) + 1.75 g of fine salt. Dosage and administration are the same as above.
③ Oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution (use with caution in newborns). For children aged 10 years, ORS can be given in any amount the child can tolerate, with a daily requirement of 2000 ml. It should be administered in small, frequent doses: for infants under 2 years, 1 teaspoon (about 5 ml) every 1 to 2 minutes; older children can drink directly from a cup. If the infant vomits, wait 10 minutes before slowly resuming feeding (1 teaspoon every 2 to 3 minutes). If diarrhea persists after the ORS is depleted, provide fluids as mentioned above or consult a doctor.
2. Provide the infant with sufficient food to prevent malnutrition. Breastfed infants should continue breastfeeding, with appropriate extension of feeding intervals. If the infant is not breastfed and is under 6 months old, continue feeding with regular milk or dairy products, diluted with an equal amount of rice water or water. Gradually return to normal diet after diarrhea improves, or use yogurt. If possible, switch to lactose-free formula. For infants over 6 months old, provide familiar regular foods such as congee, noodles, soft rice, vegetables, fish, or meat paste, starting with small amounts and gradually increasing. Fresh fruit juice or fruit can be given in moderation to supplement potassium. These foods should be well-cooked, mashed, or crushed for easier digestion. Older children can eat nutrient-rich, easily digestible foods while avoiding greasy foods.
3. If the infant shows no improvement after 3 days, or if any of the following symptoms appear within 3 days, seek medical attention: