Significant increase in diarrhoea cases

Rawalpindi:Professor Dr. Rai Muhammad Asghar, Dean of Paediatrics at Rawalpindi Medical University, has stated that with the onset of summer, there has been a substantial increase in diarrhoea cases among children.

Diarrhoea causes vomiting and loose motions, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance in the body, making children lethargic and weak.Due to severe dehydration, children may become unconscious, and in extreme cases, it can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is essential to start Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) as soon as diarrhoea begins. ORS should be given with a spoon and cup, one spoonful every minute.

Once the diarrhoea subsides, ORS can be discontinued. Antibiotics should never be given in diarrhoea cases, as they are ineffective against rotavirus or E. coli, which are common causes of diarrhoea in children. Diarrhoea usually resolves on its own within two to three days.

Prevention is key is boil water before giving it to children, ensure handwashing with soap before meals and after using the toilet, avoid street food and drinks, and complete the vaccination course to protect against diarrhoea.