The care of bottles or nipples, or carelessness in the choice of milk can cause diarrhea. With older children it is generally due to eating unripe or decayed fruit, or an excess of green or tainted vegetables. Our first task is to get rid of the irritating poison, and there are certain things that the mother can do promptly before a physician comes. A teaspoon of castor oil will purge the bowels, and the digestive apparatus may be relieved by stopping all milk for twenty-four hours at least. Barley water, wheat gruel, or mutton broth and barley water in equal parts may be substituted. Frequent loose movements take much water from the system, so this should be supplied as far as possible by giving as much water as he will drink. It should be boiled and cooled. There is often vomiting with diarrhea when it may be impossible for the stomach to dispose of any food at all. In that case, egg or albumen water will furnish a little nourishment and can generally be retained. This cannot be relied upon for any length of time but is better than an absolute fast until the trouble is under control. The movements of the bowels are not only watery and frequent but are generally of a bright green color and contain small curds, showing that milk is not being taken into the system but is passing through undigested and acting as an irritant. This condition is an indication for stopping all milk for twenty-four hours at least to relieve the digestive apparatus of some of its work. The diarrhea may indicate a simple temporary derangement of the bowels or it may accompany summer complaint when the stomach as well is involved, or it may take the form of dysentery when blood and mucus appear in the stool. If the cathartic does not accomplish the desired result, the doctor will probably order rectal irrigation with a salt solution. The apparatus for flushing a baby's bowels is a fountain syringe, a soft rubber catheter that fits over the smallest enema point, and a basin to receive the water as it flows out. <Callout type="important" title="Immediate Action">Act promptly before consulting a physician if possible.</Callout> The solution is boiled water cooled to about 100° F with one teaspoon of table salt per pint.
Key Takeaways
- Castor oil can be used as a purgative for children suffering from diarrhea.
- Stopping milk intake and providing barley water or wheat gruel are recommended dietary adjustments.
- Rectal irrigation with salt solution may be necessary if other methods fail.
Practical Tips
- Boil and cool water before giving it to the child to prevent further contamination.
- Use egg or albumen water as a temporary substitute for food when vomiting occurs.
- Consult a physician immediately if symptoms persist despite home treatment.
Warnings & Risks
- Do not rely on egg or albumen water for extended periods; it is only a short-term solution.
- Rectal irrigation should be performed carefully to avoid injury and infection.
- Stopping milk intake entirely may exacerbate the situation in some cases.
Modern Application
While many of these practices are outdated, understanding historical methods can provide insight into basic medical principles. Modern readers can learn about the importance of hydration and dietary adjustments but should not attempt rectal irrigation without proper training.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is a recommended purgative for children with diarrhea?
A teaspoon of castor oil is suggested to purge the bowels.
Q: How can dietary adjustments help in treating diarrhea?
Stopping milk intake and providing barley water or wheat gruel are recommended to relieve digestive stress.
Q: What should be done if vomiting occurs with diarrhea?
Egg or albumen water can provide a little nourishment when the stomach cannot retain solid food.