Overview
Diarrhoea — frequent watery stools — remains one of the biggest killers of under-fives worldwide, not because of the infection itself but because of the fluid the child loses. ORS and zinc, continued feeding and early recognition of dehydration save lives. Most episodes are viral and need no antibiotics.
Symptoms
- Frequent loose or watery stools
- Vomiting
- Fever in some cases
- Reduced urination or dry diapers
- Sunken eyes and dry mouth (dehydration)
- Unusual sleepiness or irritability
- Skin pinch going back slowly (dehydration)
Causes & risk factors
- Viral gut infections (most common)
- Contaminated water, food or feeding bottles
- Poor hand hygiene
- Bacterial or parasitic infections
- Measles and malnutrition increasing severity
Treatment & self-care
Start ORS immediately, giving small sips frequently, and add zinc as advised by a health worker — continue breastfeeding and normal feeding throughout. Do not give anti-diarrhoea tablets to children, and use antibiotics only when prescribed (for example, for bloody stools). Handwashing, safe water, rotavirus vaccination and clean food preparation prevent most episodes.
See a doctor urgently if
- Signs of dehydration: sunken eyes, dry mouth, no tears, few wet nappies
- Blood in the stool
- Repeated vomiting — the child cannot keep ORS down
- Diarrhoea beyond three days, or any diarrhoea in a baby under two months
- The child is unusually drowsy or floppy — emergency