Diarrheal Diseases
Caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, diarrheal diseases spread through contaminated food and water or because of insufficient hygiene practices. Many children with diarrheal diseases also have an underlying condition of malnutrition, making them more vulnerable. Diarrheal diseases are among the top ten leading causes of infectious diseaseď€related deaths worldwide, accounting for 1.5 million deaths annually. 760,000 of those deaths are among children under the age of 5, making these diseases the second leading cause of death among young children.
Symptoms
Diarrhea is defined as having three or more loose stools per day. There are three main types of diarrhea: acute watery diarrhea, which typically lasts several hours or days and includes cholera; acute bloody diarrhea, also called dysentery; and persistent diarrhea, which lasts 14 days or longer. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, the loss of water and electrolytes—sodium, chloride, potassium, and bicarbonate. Signs of dehydration include thirst, irritability, decreased skin elasticity, and sunken eyes. If dehydration becomes severe other signs appear, such as loss of consciousness, faint pulse, low output of urine, cool and moist extremities, and low blood pressure. If left untreated, dehydration can result in death.
Treatment
A three-pronged approach is used for treatment of these diseases. Zinc tablets are given to reduce the number of diarrheal episodes, followed by rehydration therapy. For severe dehydration, intravenous solutions are given. For mild or moderate dehydration, a solution of clean water, sugar, and salt is used. Eating a nutritious diet can treat diarrhea and prevent it from reappearing.
Prevention
Education about personal and food hygiene and how infections spread, access to clean water, and improved sanitation can prevent the spread of diarrheal diseases. In addition, exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months of life.
