(MENAFN- The Peninsula) The Peninsula
Doha, Qatar: To safeguard public safety, Primary health Care Corporation (PHCC) offered some tips to prevent summer diarrhea in children.
Dr. Sarah Ahmad BaKhamis, Manager of PHCC's Al Mashaf Health Center & Consultant Family Medicine, said that summer diarrhea is common in children triggered by hot weather, explaining that it is an inflammation in the mucous membrane of the digestive system, and it often develops during the summer.
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People can get summer diarrhea through contaminated food and drinks such as unclean water, as well as through shaking hands and kissing. The symptoms include an increase in stool frequency and could be many times a day, in addition to a change in stool to become liquid. It may also contain mucus and blood and may become smelly.
Summer diarrhea may also be accompanied with high temperature, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If it lasts for a longer period, signs of skin and mouth dehydration appear, in addition to sunken eyes and a low urine output.
These symptoms cause a circulatory system disorder and high blood pressure, which may damage vital body organs if left untreated suitably and on time.
The treatment depends mainly on determining the cause of diarrhea, followed by giving the child fluids and salts to compensate for the loss of fluids through the mouth or vein according to the child's condition. Antibiotics, antivirals, or antiparasitics are prescribed if necessary.
To prevent summer diarrhea in children, Dr. BaKhamis recommended washing hands thoroughly, maintaining personal hygiene, and avoiding the use of antibiotics as much as possible, as they challenge the balance of gut microbial species. She also advised to avoid undercooked foods, especially meat and eggs because they contain parasites and bacteria.
Dr. BaKhamis advised parents to make sure that their children do not swallow water when swimming in public swimming pools as much as possible, as it could be contaminated with many viruses and bacteria, and be sure to clean their bodies thoroughly after swimming.
Washing raw foods thoroughly is also advised, such as fruits and vegetables, as they are a good environment for the growth of germs, while making sure that the water used is clean and that foods and drinks are kept in containers covered properly.
Dr. BaKhamis noted that breastfeeding could prevent summer diarrhea in babies, in addition to making sure that their meals are clean. In addition, when using formula milk, parents should make sure that it is appropriately measured.