Bengaluru: Heat is on! So is dehydration, diarrhoea
Water and plenty of fluids, like fruit juices and tender coconut, can be offered to babies often to keep them hydrated.
Bengaluru: Dehydration and diarrhoea have become a common problem for the people, especially for infants and children, as the heat is soaring in Bengaluru.
Dr Yunus from Primecare Hospital said, “Diarrhoea is when your stools become loose or watery. The definition of diarrhoea is passing loose or watery stools three or more times a day. Dehydration occurs when you lose more fluid/ water than you take in and your body doesn't have enough water to carry out its normal functions. If you don't replace fluids, you will get dehydrated. Diarrhoea can cause dehydration, especially in young children and older people. People with diarrhoea, especially the very young and the very elderly, are at risk of becoming rapidly dehydrated. They require immediate medical attention."
"Babies are more susceptible to dehydration during summer as their metabolism is higher. They use more water and their kidneys have not yet perfect at conserving water. Since a baby's immune system isn't fully developed, they are at a higher risk of contracting illnesses that can cause fever, vomiting or diarrhoea. Also, many babies refuse to eat or drink when they're uncomfortable or ill, making it difficult to keep them sufficiently hydrated," said Dr Deepak K. Vasudev, Consultant – Neonatologist, Columbia Asia Hospital Whitefield.
Dr Yunus stressed, "ORT (Oral rehydrating therapy) that includes ORS has been hailed by the World Health Organisation. It saves the life of millions of children with diarrhoea all over the world. It has been proved beyond doubt that almost 90% of childhood diarrhoeas can be managed with ORS alone."