The Main Causes of Diarrhea in Infants and How To Deal With It

Diarrhea is a common condition in infants and young children. It usually resolves on its own, with no long-term effects. In most cases, diarrhea is triggered by something your child has eaten. Viral infections, such as the flu or rotavirus, are common causes of diarrhea in young children. Other potential triggers include milk allergies, excess sugar intake and exposure to toxins such as lead. There are several ways in which you can manage bouts of diarrhea in an infant safely and effectively. Read on for more information about the main causes of diarrhea in infants and how to deal with it.

What are the main causes of diarrhea in infants?

There are a number of different factors that can cause diarrhea in infants. Some of the most common causes are: - Viral Infections: Viral infections, such as the rotavirus, can cause diarrhea in infants. This is more common in infants under 12 months of age. Rotavirus often spreads through contact with an infected person's unwashed hands. - Bacterial Infections: Gastroenteritis, an infection of the intestines, is a more serious form of diarrhea. It is more likely to occur in infants under 3 months of age, particularly those in day care. Bacterial infections are more likely to cause bloody diarrhea and be more severe than viral infections. - Food Allergies: Allergies can cause diarrhea in infants. Cow's milk protein is the most common trigger. Other potential allergens include soy and eggs. - Metabolic Disorders: These rare disorders can cause diarrhea in infants. Examples include cystic fibrosis and acid reflux.

Management of infant diarrhea

If your infant has diarrhea, you should begin by trying to identify the cause. This will allow you to take appropriate action to stop the diarrhea. A doctor will usually recommend giving your infant a soft diet as soon as possible. You can start giving your infant a soft diet as soon as you notice the first signs of diarrhea. You should give your infant a low-fat, low-fiber diet. Babies under 6 months of age should consume breast milk or infant formula. Older infants can consume other types of liquid foods. If you notice diarrhea in your infant, you should speak with your doctor. This is particularly important if your infant has bloody stool or seems seriously unwell.

Rotavirus vaccine

The rotavirus vaccine is administered to infants as soon as possible after birth. This is usually around 2 or 3 months of age. The vaccine is recommended for infants as it significantly reduces the risk of contracting the rotavirus. The rotavirus can cause serious and life-threatening diarrhea in infants. The vaccine is safe, effective and inexpensive. Most medical insurance plans cover the cost of the vaccine. If your infant has diarrhea, it is important to ensure that they are fully vaccinated against the rotavirus. This is because the diarrhea may spread the rotavirus to other children. If your infant contracts the rotavirus, they are likely to become immune after the infection is resolved. This is why the vaccine works by preventing the infection from occurring in the first place.

Foods that trigger diarrhea in infants

There are a number of different foods that can trigger diarrhea in infants. Some of the most common triggers are: - Cow's Milk: The most common food trigger of diarrhea in infants is cow's milk. This is particularly true in young children with an allergy to cow's milk protein. Babies under 12 months of age who consume cow's milk are at an increased risk of diarrhea. - Eggs: Some infants may develop a food allergy to eggs. In such cases, eggs can trigger diarrhea just like they do in adults. - Soy: Soy is a common source of protein in infant formulas. However, consuming soy can trigger a food allergy in some infants. Some infants may also develop a soy intolerance. In such cases, soy-based infant formulas can trigger diarrhea.

Bile Esculin Poly meringue Shunt (BEPMS) treatment for acid-related diarrhea

Bile Esculin Poly meringue Shunt (BEPMS) is a procedure used to treat infants with chronic diarrhea due to acid reflux. The procedure involves surgically implanting a tube in the infant's abdomen. This tube diverts the contents of the infant's stomach away from the lower intestine. BEPMS is an effective treatment for chronic diarrhea. However, it is a risky procedure with a risk of complications, such as infection and injury to the stomach. It is therefore only used when other treatments for acid reflux have failed. BEPMS does not cure acid reflux. Therefore, if it is administered, the infant will require long-term treatment to prevent further bouts of diarrhea.

Conclusion

Diarrhea is a common condition in infants and young children. It usually resolves on its own, with no long-term effects. In most cases, diarrhea is triggered by something your child has eaten. Viral infections, such as the rotavirus, are common causes of diarrhea in young children. Other potential triggers include milk allergies and soy. There are several ways in which you can manage bouts of diarrhea in an infant safely and effectively. Read on for more information about the main causes of diarrhea in infants and how to deal with it.