Journalism of Courage
A theme oriented CME (continuing medical education) on diarrhoea among children was organised by the Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology in PGIMER on Sunday.
Experts in the field of paediatric gastroenterology deliberated upon the problems of acute diarrhoea due to the rotavirus infection,antibiotic associated diarrhoea,bloody diarrhoea,acute diarrhoea in the malnourished paediatric population and the problems related to chronic diarrhoea in children. The treatment of acute diarrhoea in children was discussed in detail.
In the treatment of acute watery diarrhoea,the role of oral rehydration solution (ORS),zinc therapy and the role of diet were the main focus of attention during the day-long meeting. The mothers milk (breastfeeding) has preventive as well as therapeutic role in acute diarrhoea. Thus,exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life is very important and has preventive role. The breastfed babies usually do not suffer from diarrhoea.
The experts said that antibiotics used for infections could lead to antibiotic associated diarrhoea,so indiscriminate use of antibiotics should be avoided as far as possible. About 50% children in the country are malnourished and prone to bacterial diarrhoea. The poor hygiene and sanitation,especially in rural areas,slums and semi-urbanised slums,are the worst situations for the occurrence of diarrhoea. The outbreaks of diarrhoea lead to increased morbidity and mortality as seen in cities like Mohali,Patiala and Shimla recently. This was related to intake of contaminated water.
According to the experts,there is a need for clean potable water. Apart from general measures,it is very important to immunise babies against various fatal diseases. Rotavirus vaccine has been recently licensed in our country and is freely available. According to WHO and Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP),all infants should get it to prevent fatal diarrhoea doe to rotavirus infection.
Nutritional management of acute and chronic diarrhoea was also stressed upon. Nutrition plays a key role in a quick recovery from the diarrhoeal illness. The problem of celiac disease (wheat allergy) was also discussed in detail. According to Prof B R Thapa,this disease is affecting 1 per cent population in the North-West India.
All the problems related to acute and chronic diarrhoea in children were discussed at length in the form of short lectures,quizzes and panel discussions.
