Acute diarrhoea and dehydration
Acute diarrhoea means passing loose or watery stools three or more times a day, lasting less than two weeks. It is one of the most common illnesses in Afghan children, especially in summer. The main danger is dehydration, the loss of water and salts from the body, which can kill a young child within a day. Oral rehydration solution (ORS) and zinc save lives.
Symptoms
- Three or more loose or watery stools a day
- Stomach cramps
- Vomiting in some cases
- Thirst and dry mouth
- Less urine, or dark urine
- Sunken eyes, and a sunken soft spot in babies
- Skin that goes back slowly when pinched, sleepiness or weakness in severe dehydration
Causes
- Viruses such as rotavirus, bacteria and parasites
- Drinking unsafe water
- Eating contaminated or spoiled food
- Not washing hands after the toilet or before feeding children
- Using feeding bottles that are hard to clean
Prevention
- Breastfeed only for the first 6 months
- Rotavirus vaccine as part of the routine childhood vaccines
- Drink boiled or treated water
- Wash hands with soap after the toilet and before preparing food or feeding children
- Use a cup instead of a feeding bottle
- Use latrines and keep food covered
Treatment
- Give ORS after every loose stool, in small sips with a cup or spoon
- Children: zinc daily for 10 to 14 days, as advised by a health worker
- Keep breastfeeding and keep giving food
- Severe dehydration needs urgent care at a health facility
- Antibiotics are not needed for most watery diarrhoea
- Do not give anti-diarrhoea medicines to children, and do not start antibiotics or other prescription medicines without a doctor
Common questions
How much ORS should I give my child?
As a rough guide, after each loose stool give a child under 2 years about a quarter to half a cup, and an older child half to one cup. Give it slowly with a spoon. If the child vomits, wait 10 minutes and try again more slowly.
Why is zinc given for diarrhoea?
Zinc helps the gut heal, makes the diarrhoea shorter and less severe, and lowers the chance of another episode in the next few months.