Diarrhea is a common pediatric condition, and diarrhea in general does not have serious health consequences for children. However, if a child has diarrhea with the following symptoms, it is likely that there is something more serious than just diarrhea.
Scenario 1 – Bloody stool
If blood is clearly visible in the stool or if the stool is jam-like, it may be complicated by a dangerous disease such as intussusception.
The diagnosis of intestinal entrapment is time-sensitive, and if it can be diagnosed early, only “air enema” is needed to reset, without open surgery, with good treatment effect, low cost and less pain. If the diagnosis is not timely, the intestinal wall of the overlapped part will be annular death, perforation, or even fatal.
Intussusception is common within 2 years of age, most often between 4 and 10 months of age, mostly in obese and fit children. If a child suddenly develops abdominal pain (sudden paroxysmal crying in small children), jam-colored stools, vomiting, pallor, poor mental health, and palpable abdominal masses during diarrheal disease, it is important to seek prompt medical attention.
Situation 2 – persistent vomiting
A baby who vomits continuously for more than 12-24 hours is prone to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances.
Please note the word “persistent”. Persistent means that the child is unable to eat anything between vomiting episodes and that the episodes last for a longer period of time. In many cases, a child with diarrhea or acute gastritis may vomit frequently for several hours and be unable to eat, but the vomiting usually subsides after a period of rest. If the vomiting is relieved over time and the child is able to start eating, there is no need to be overly nervous.
Parents should pay attention to the following “signs” of dehydration, if so, please seek medical attention.
Scenario 3 – Vomit is no longer undigested food
The vomit is not just food or gastric juice, but contains fecal matter, more blood or coffee grounds, and the vomit looks yellowish green or smells like feces. This is often a manifestation of intestinal obstruction, intestinal obstruction must be treated in a timely manner, otherwise it will rapidly develop to intestinal necrosis, and even life-threatening.
Situation four – stomach pain can not touch
The stomach is obviously swollen and hard, because the stomach pain and do not let others touch with their hands. Be alert to the occurrence of appendicitis, peritonitis, etc., and make sure to ask the doctor to find out the situation as soon as possible and deal with it accordingly.
Scenario 5 – Complete inability to eat
When a child can’t eat a single thing, it can quickly progress to serious conditions such as severe dehydration, hypoglycemia, and electrolyte disorders. It is best to seek medical help before the problem becomes serious.
Please note the wording “not even a little bit”, which means that you can’t eat anything, but if you can still eat some and urinate no less than usual, you can rest assured that this is much better than not eating at all. Remember to encourage your child to drink water, milk, and oral rehydration salts when he or she has diarrhea.
Scenario 6 – Jaundice
Jaundice is a yellowing of the eyes and skin. This is a sign of biliary and liver disease and requires medical help to analyze the cause.
Scenario 7 – Hemorrhagic rash
To identify whether the rash is hemorrhagic or congestive we can use a simple glass test. Use a clear glass to press on the rash, through the glass you can see the reddish rash lighten and disappear is congestive, if there is no change is most likely to be hemorrhagic.
The above seven situations must be promptly sought medical attention, have you memorized them?
In addition, if your baby has a fever for more than 2 days in a row, you should also pay attention to it and go to the hospital in time for the doctor to analyze and identify the cause.