Spring is a season of rejuvenation
for all living things, and the same holds true for bacteria and viruses. Due to
factors such as temperature fluctuations, respiratory and gastrointestinal
infections find favorable conditions for transmission. As a result, many
children fall ill shortly after the start of the school year. Apart from common
symptoms like cold, fever, and cough, gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting
and diarrhea are also commonly observed.
The so-called "curse of
falling ill at the beginning of the school year" often mentioned by
parents is primarily due to the fact that children experience significant
changes in their emotions, dietary habits and structure, sleep patterns, and
even bowel habits after starting school. These changes are difficult to adapt
to in a short period of time, leading to a decrease in their resistance. This
reduction in resistance manifests in digestive issues and gastrointestinal
disturbances, resulting in symptoms like diarrhea. Furthermore, schools entail
collective living environments where children’s awareness of protection and
hygiene might not be strong enough. For instance, consumption of unclean food,
exposure to cold, and cross-infection are all culprits behind gastrointestinal
problems.
Springtime diarrhea is generally a
self-limiting condition, with a duration of around 5-7 days. In some cases,
individuals with malnutrition or weakened constitutions may experience diarrhea
for a longer period. When a child experiences diarrhea, the first step is to
ensure adequate fluid intake to prevent further health problems due to
dehydration. Oral rehydration salts can effectively prevent dehydration.
Additionally, children with
diarrhea often experience poor appetite and disrupted gastrointestinal
function, leading to suboptimal nutrient absorption. Therefore, strict fasting
is not necessary; in fact, it can exacerbate indigestion and prolong the
illness. It’s important to provide small, frequent meals to replenish lost
nutrients. Food choices should primarily consist of liquids and semi-liquids
such as milk, rice soup, and porridge, while avoiding raw, cold, hard, fried,
and fatty foods.
In terms of internal measures: in diet, it’s important to avoid picky eating and overeating, and to maintain a balanced combination of grains, meat, eggs, dairy products, fresh vegetables, and fruits to ensure sufficient intake of energy, high-quality protein, and dietary fiber. Avoiding raw or undercooked foods, as well as spoiled or expired foods, helps prevent foodborne illnesses. Additionally, rational use of Bacillus coagulans probiotics in combination therapy can help control diarrhea. Mommy’s Love Probiotics mainly consists of freeze-dried live bacteria powder, which regulates the intestinal environment, promotes balance in intestinal flora, assists in repairing intestinal mucosa, and improves gut health, thus alleviating diarrhea and other gastrointestinal disorders.
In terms of external measures: in
hygiene, teaching children the correct handwashing steps and instilling good
hygiene habits such as washing hands before meals, after using the toilet, and
upon returning home from outside activities; in terms of warmth, being vigilant
against sudden temperature drops, adjusting children’s clothing accordingly to
prevent chilling of the abdomen; in other aspects, encouraging children to
actively engage in outdoor activities to strengthen their physique and boost
their immunity; timely vaccination is an effective means to prevent most common
infectious diseases.
Additionally, it’s important to
remain vigilant of any changes in the body. If there are noticeable symptoms of
discomfort, seeking medical treatment promptly is crucial and should not be
delayed.