Diarrhea is a bowel disorder with an increased number of bowel movements and loose or watery stools. 

Dehydration is one of the most characteristic elements of diarrhea and poses significant health risks. It is no coincidence that doctors strongly recommend the intake of liquids in large quantities when a patient is diagnosed with the problem. Dehydration symptoms are easily observable, even more so if it is intense.

Causes: 

The germs that cause diarrhea usually reach humans through the mouth, and may be in contaminated water or food. Most diarrhea is caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. Parasites are common in places with precarious sanitary conditions. 

Diarrhea complications: 

– dehydration; 

– recurrent diarrhea, chronic malnutrition, delay in weight and height development; 

– retardation of intellectual development; 

- death.

Treatment: 

– start taking homemade whey as soon as possible; 

– increased intake of liquids such as serums, soups, juices; 

– drink 50 to 100 ml of liquid after each diarrheal bowel movement; 

– maintain the usual diet, especially breast milk, correcting dietary errors and following medical guidelines; 

– watch for signs of dehydration.

Signs of dehydration: 

- deep eyes; 

– absence of tears when the child cries; 

– dry mouth and tongue; 

– being very thirsty and drinking water or other liquid very quickly; 

– decrease in the amount of urine; 

– sinking of the soft spot (in babies). 

If you have two or more symptoms, it could be dehydration. It is necessary to look for the nearest health unit immediately for medical attention.

Diarrheal Symptoms and Dehydration 

"Dry mouth, irritation, fatigue, sunken eyes, dark urine, thin pulse, low blood pressure, and cramps are the typical indications of more severe dehydration. According to gastroenterologist Amanda Buchmann, the most severe form of diarrhoea can result in kidney failure, unconsciousness, cardiac arrhythmias, and even death. 

The physician claims that cholera is the illness that produces diarrhoea with more severe dehydration. The diarrhoea brought on by this illness produces faeces that are characteristically like "rice water." She also claims that the alteration of electrolytes is a side effect of diarrhoea in addition to dehydration.

Prevention: 

– breastfeed the newborn for at least six months of life; 

– drink only treated, filtered or boiled water; 

– drink plenty of fluids, especially on warmer days; 

– observe that the pipes in the residence are not punctured; 

– keep the water tanks closed at all times and clean them regularly; 

– do not bathe in a contaminated river, dam or pool; 

– maintain the hygiene of the house, staff and tableware and stove; 

– wash your hands with soap and water before preparing food, before breastfeeding, after changing children's diapers or after using the bathroom; 

– protect food from flies, cockroaches and rats; 

– carefully wash vegetables and fruits.

*How to prepare homemade whey: 

Mix in a liter of mineral water, filtered water or boiled water (but already cold) a small spoon (like coffee) of salt and a large spoon (like soup) of sugar. Mix well and offer the whole day to the patient in small spoonfuls.