How to Treat and Prevent a Fatal Disease That’s Taking Children’s Lives in Pakistan
Diarrhea is also called loose motions. It manifests itself in watery and frequently occurring stools.
In Pakistan, 74 children out of 1000 lose their lives annually due to diarrheal illness. 60% of infant and child deaths are caused by diarrheal illness which is common in children under 5 years in Asia. The most prominent reason is consumption of unclean drinking water.
In the latest episode of KASHF Sehat Ka Paigham, Professor Dr. Fouzia Rasool uncovers the harsh reality of diarrhea as a leading cause of child mortality in Pakistan—with contaminated water at the heart of the crisis.
Causes of Diarrhea
The most common cause of diarrheal infection is water-borne disease occurring in drinking water that might contain viruses, bacteria and parasites, poor hygiene might also be a reason. If food is eaten or prepared without washing hands thoroughly with soap, the infection on the hands can be easily transferred into the food meant for consumption, and thus, cause diarrhea.
Diarrhea can occur due to multiple reasons. It could indicate a bowel infection or another disease that requires diagnosis. Hence it is important to consult a doctor to treat the condition.
Chronic diarrhea which is recurrent or continuous diarrhea can lead to wasting. If this occurs in the first 2 years of a child’s life, it can lead to stunting, retarded growth in a child so that the child does not grow adequately in weight and height. The child will also suffer psychologically from the trauma of recurrent illness.
Providing safe drinking water at home and ensuring all water for consumption is treated can prevent diarrhea and related issues.
How to ensure access to clean drinking water at home
Since diarrhea can result from consuming unsafe, contaminated water, it is important to ensure access to clean drinking water at home. There are ways to clean the water that is meant for drinking in our household. Here is how:
- Boil and cool water before drinking. Boiling water kills 99% germs. Water can be boiled using a gas stove or a woodfire.
- Straining the water through 8 to 10 layers of muslin cloth. This will help clear the water of mud and most chemical particles. However, the straining will not clear the water of any germs it contains.
- Adding Chlorine tablets to the drinking water. This method will clean about 50 to 60% of germs present in the water.
What about recurrent diarrhea?
Recurrent Diarrhea in children can also occur due to malnourishment in a child.
Recurrent diarrhea may indicate another disease rather than a bowel infection.
Inflammatory bowel disease can also cause recurrent diarrhea and requires treatment from a specialist medical professional.
Misuse of antibiotics is another reason that can kill healthy bacteria in the intestines. Hence such children and adults might experience chronic diarrhea.
Crohn’s disease and AIDS virus, among other causes, might also be a reason for diarrhea. Each medical condition requires specific treatments and requires assessment by a healthcare professional.
What to feed a child with diarrhea
Avoid giving the child sugary foods or anything sourced from outside the home during diarrhea, as it can worsen swelling.
Feeding the child too much or too little is both not advisable. Rather, feeding small food portions throughout the day is advisable. Khichri (cooked yellow lentils and rice), yogurt and banana are all considered safe food options for children with diarrhea.
How long should you wait before taking a child with diarrhea to the doctor?
Diarrhea usually resolves within 24 to 48 hours, but if the child appears lifeless or low on energy in 24 hours within the onset of diarrhea, seek medical help immediately.
Children with more than 4 to 5 episodes of diarrhea in 24 hours should see a doctor. Immediate treatment in the house involves administering ORS within 24 hours of the onset of diarrhea to replace the electrolytes and essential nutrients lost through loose motions.
If a child has vomiting, fever, and diarrhea, consult a doctor for potential bacterial infection.
For all other medication, refer to a medical health professional and do not self administer medication to your child.
Episode 7 now on KASHF Foundation’s YouTube channel, and stay connected with us on Instagram @kashffoundation for more expert insights!
About Sehat Ka Paigham
KASHF Foundation’s *Sehat Ka Paigham* podcast is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering women and families with essential knowledge about maternal and child health. Each episode brings together leading experts to address critical topics like breastfeeding, malnutrition, pregnancy complications, and growth stunting in children. Designed to educate and debunk myths, these eight episodic podcasts focus on providing actionable advice rooted in research conducted in rural Pakistan. With renowned host Sania Saeed at the helm, *Sehat Ka Paigham* is bridging the gap between expert insights and community awareness, ensuring healthier futures for mothers and children across the country.
