“Children swallowing water in the pool and sea can cause diarrhea”

There is a significant increase in acute diarrhea cases in children during the summer season. Specialized from the Department of Pediatrics. Dr. Belgin Özbek said, “Acute diarrhea, which is common in children aged 0-5 years, can reach dangerous dimensions, especially in the first 2 years. During the holiday season, parents should be careful about the risk of children swallowing contaminated water from unclean pool and sea water.”

Diarrhea is a digestive system infection characterized by an increase in the amount and number of stools. From the Department of Pediatrics at Medicana Kadikoy Hospital, Specialist. Dr. Belgin Özbek emphasizes that dehydration can be life-threatening, especially for young babies and children. “Symptoms of dehydration include dry skin and mouth, weakness, drowsiness, decreased tears, and increased pulse rate,” said Uzm. Dr. Özbek said, “If symptoms such as vomiting, fever, blood or mucus in the stool are seen with diarrhea, a doctor should be consulted immediately.”

Breast milk protects against diarrhea

Uzm. Prof. Dr. Belgin Özbek stated that breast milk strengthens the immune system of children and protects them from infections that can cause diarrhea, “Breast milk helps the child recover faster in case of infection. In case of diarrhea, babies should be breastfed more often. Fluids and minerals lost with vomiting and diarrhea can be replaced with oral replacement fluids and powders containing probiotics with the advice of a doctor. Antidiarrheal medications should not be used. In addition, hygiene rules should be observed while preparing baby food and food should be stored under appropriate conditions.”

Suggesting that plenty of fluids should be consumed in case of diarrhea, Uzm. Dr. Belgin Özbek said, “Low-fat and low-pulp foods should be preferred until diarrhea improves. Fatty, sugary and fiber-rich foods can cause diarrhea to worsen,” she warned, ”Fruits such as bananas, peaches and foods such as low-fat pasta or rice pilaf should be consumed during diarrhea.”