Definition
Diarrhea in babies is when more than 4 watery stools are settling within 24 hours. However, it should be noted that babies often have very soft stools and therefore a soft stool per se does not count as diarrhoea. The digestive system of babies is not yet fully developed, so thin stools are not a special feature of babies. However, very watery stools that occur more than 4 times a day can be considered diarrhea. As this can quickly become dangerous in babies, the fluid balance should first be checked and a doctor consulted if necessary.
Causes
There are several causes that can lead to diarrhea in babies. When babies suffer from diarrhea, an infectious intestinal disease caused by bacteria or viruses is often the trigger. Due to the pathogens, the movement of the already very short intestine increases and the absorption of fluid decreases.
Both lead to an increased stool frequency with aqueous stool. But not only infections of the intestine are possible causes of diarrhea. For example, diarrhea in babies can also occur when infections are present at a different location.
For example, babies often suffer from diarrhoea in the context of a middle ear infection or a mild cold. Another reason for diarrhoea can be food intolerances. Often these are diagnosed for the first time in the context of recurrent diarrhoea in babies.
Especially if there are no other signs of infection (fever, vomiting), food intolerance should be considered as a possible cause. Diarrhoea after vaccination can occur especially when vaccinated against rotavirus. However, other vaccinations can cause similar symptoms.
Diarrhoea is generally very common in babies. If vaccinated, the immune response may be weakened, which may cause diarrhoea. Other symptoms after a vaccination may be pain at the injection site or a short fever attack.
Some vaccinations also go without symptoms. In case of diarrhoea, always make sure that a sufficient amount of fluid is given. If the diarrhoea does not improve after a few days or if new symptoms such as vomiting, fever or fatigue/fatigue appear, a doctor should be consulted.
A doctor should also be consulted immediately in case of dehydration, which can be recognized by sunken eyes with dark circles under the eyes, flabbiness, no urine in the diaper or standing skin folds. In most cases, however, diarrhea is caused by an infection and can occur accidentally at the time of vaccination, regardless of the vaccination. If you want to learn more about this topic click here: Vaccinations for babiesTeething in babies is sometimes an unpleasant situation.
There may be pain in the mouth or a rise in temperature. While teething, babies are often restless and saliva increases. However, there is no connection between teething and diarrhoea.
Why diarrhoea occurs more often while teething is not fully understood. What is certain, however, is that a virus is almost always responsible for the diarrhoea itself. The most important measure for diarrhoea is the intake of fluids.
In addition to tea, mineral water or chicken broth should be given, since valuable electrolytes can be supplied. If a loss of fluid develops in the child or increased discomfort with increased temperature, a doctor should be consulted immediately. If you would like to know more about this topic, please click here: Diarrhea in teething and teething in babies
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