• 2 weeks ago

Summer Diarrhea in Children: Prevention and Treatment Tips

Why Is Diarrhea More Common in Summer?

Warm weather creates ideal conditions for:

  • Food spoilage
  • Inadequate hygiene
  • Contaminated water
  • Public pools and beaches
  • Increased insect activity (flies, etc.)

Children aged 6 months to 5 years are most vulnerable to diarrhea-related dehydration.

What Causes Summer Diarrhea in Children?

Most cases are caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites. Common culprits include:

Pathogen

Description

Rotavirus

Most common viral cause (especially in unvaccinated infants)

Enteroviruses

Peak in warm seasons

E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella

From unsafe food or water

Giardia lamblia

Waterborne parasite common in untreated water

What Are the Symptoms?

  • Frequent watery stools (3 or more times a day)
  • Vomiting
  • Fever
  • Abdominal pain or cramping
  • Fatigue
  • Signs of dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, less urine or fewer wet diapers

Bloody stools, persistent high fever, or reduced urination are red flags and require immediate medical evaluation.

How to Manage Diarrhea at Home

1. Oral Hydration Is Essential

  • Continue breastfeeding or formula for babies
  • Use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) available at pharmacies
  • Home-made solution (for mild cases):
    • 1 liter boiled & cooled water
    • 6 teaspoons of sugar
    • 1 teaspoon of salt

2. Keep Feeding with Light, Digestible Foods

  • Avoid fasting
  • Offer yogurt, rice, boiled potatoes, bananas
  • Avoid fried, spicy, or sugary foods

3. Prioritize Hand Hygiene

  • Wash hands after every diaper change and before meals
  • Clean utensils, toys, and high-contact surfaces

When to Call a Doctor

  • Diarrhea lasting more than 2 days
  • 6+ watery stools per day
  • Fever over 38.5°C (101.3°F)
  • Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
  • Dry diapers for 8+ hours
  • Lethargy, sunken eyes, dry mouth

These may indicate moderate to severe dehydration, requiring in-hospital fluid replacement.

How to Prevent Summer Diarrhea in Children

  • Ensure complete rotavirus vaccination
  • Thoroughly wash fruits and vegetables, ideally with vinegar water
  • Keep dairy products refrigerated and avoid street food
  • Use safe drinking water only—boiled, bottled, or filtered
  • Avoid raw or undercooked meat and eggs
  • Shower after pool or beach activities
  • Teach and model handwashing with soap