Diarrhoea in Children: symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as running stomach in children, purging.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Diarrhoea — frequent watery stools — remains one of the biggest killers of under-fives in Nigeria, not because of the infection itself but because of the fluid the child loses. ORS and zinc, continued feeding and early recognition of dehydration save lives. Most episodes are viral and need no antibiotics.
Symptoms
Frequent loose or watery stools
Vomiting
Fever in some cases
Reduced urination or dry diapers
Sunken eyes and dry mouth (dehydration)
Unusual sleepiness or irritability
Skin pinch going back slowly (dehydration)
Causes & risk factors
Viral gut infections (most common)
Contaminated water, food or feeding bottles
Poor hand hygiene
Bacterial or parasitic infections
Measles and malnutrition increasing severity
Treatment & self-care
Start ORS immediately, giving small sips frequently, and add zinc as advised by a health worker — continue breastfeeding and normal feeding throughout. Do not give anti-diarrhoea tablets to children, and use antibiotics only when prescribed (for example, for bloody stools). Handwashing, safe water, rotavirus vaccination and clean food preparation prevent most episodes.
See a doctor urgently if
Signs of dehydration: sunken eyes, dry mouth, no tears, few wet nappies
Blood in the stool
Repeated vomiting — the child cannot keep ORS down
Diarrhoea beyond three days, or any diarrhoea in a baby under two months
The child is unusually drowsy or floppy — emergency
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Diarrhoea in Children?
Early signs often include frequent loose or watery stools, vomiting, fever in some cases. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Diarrhoea in Children be treated?
Start ORS immediately, giving small sips frequently, and add zinc as advised by a health worker — continue breastfeeding and normal feeding throughout. Do not give anti-diarrhoea tablets to children, and use antibiotics only when prescribed (for example, for bloody stools). Handwashing, safe water, rotavirus vaccination and clean food preparation prevent most episodes.
When should I see a doctor about Diarrhoea in Children?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: signs of dehydration: sunken eyes, dry mouth, no tears, few wet nappies; blood in the stool; repeated vomiting — the child cannot keep ors down; diarrhoea beyond three days, or any diarrhoea in a baby under two months; the child is unusually drowsy or floppy — emergency.