Come summer, there is a spurt in cases of gastrointestinal infections and diarrhoea among children. These seemingly innocuous stomach infections early on in childhood can trigger a much more serious progression of malnutrition say experts.
Stomach infection in early phase of life can lead to a vicious and synergistic cycle of enteric infection causing diarrhoea, which leads to malabsorption of nutrients and further malnutrition, which in turn causes physical and cognitive impairment.
“Cognitive impairment is a key detrimental outcome associated with this cycle of malnutrition and enteric infection,” said Dr Shailesh Mehta, consultant pediatrician at Cosmos Clinic Mohali.
“Diarrhoeal diseases among children are common, especially in the summer, since the vacations mean heightened outdoor activity, more perspiration, and increased exposure to germs and infections. Yet, these infections are largely preventable if the kids are taught and encouraged to practice proper hygienic practises like bathing regularly and washing hands with antiseptic soap before eating and after using the toilet,” he added.
According to prominent city paediatricians, children are at particular risk for diarrhoea and other diseases related to hygiene during the summer months. They insist that proper hygiene is a critical step in reducing illness and other, more harmful long term results.
“There is ample evidence from scientific research that suggests children in this part of the world are more prone to enteric infections, and it is also well known that malnutrition in India is not an issue limited to a particular section of society, but can affect even the affluent if people are not careful about hygiene at the individual level,” said Dr PN Dubey, senior consultant (pediatrician), Apollo Hospital, Delhi.
Children need to be taught how to wash their hands consistently. Every child needs to develop the habit of washing their hands after every outdoor activity, after playing with pets, after using the restroom, and before every meal. Parents need to show their children how to wet their hands, apply antiseptic soap, then scrub and lather their hands for approximately 20 seconds before rinsing and drying.
“Simply washing hands is not enough, it is important to bathe frequently because children will perspire more during this season, and the dampness will spawn more bacteria, which is the problem that needs to be addressed,” said Dr Mehta
Children must also be informed about how using antiseptic soap helps fight germs and keeps them healthy and clean. The importance of taking proper baths on a regular basis cannot be understated in this context. Active kids who prefer playing outdoors should bathe at least twice daily, doctors say.
“Explain to children why they need a bathe. You need to explain to them about germs, and how they can fall sick if they do not practise proper hygiene. When they fall sick, they will miss school and find it more difficult to cope with their studies, not to mention missing out on a variety of fun and extracurricular activities,” says Dr Dubey.
Younger children need to be supervised through a bathe. As children grow older, they should be allowed to take control. It is essential in the initial stages that you get involved and use antiseptic soap to lather up your child and then scrub for a few minutes, especially the areas the child can’t reach or needs to concentrate on like folds and joints.
To encourage kids to bathe more often, try using a reward system, like a sticker chart. Every time they take a bath give them a sticker. Make a row of blank spaces to put the stickers on. Have a bigger reward or treat for them at the end of the row of stickers. Doctors assert that proper bathing and washing with antiseptic soap can significantly lower children’s exposure to germs. “This can lessen the chances of illness and chronic inflammation — leading to better nutrition intake, more energy available for growth and development, and better attendance at school,” said Dr Dubey.
Rather than treating an upset stomach lightly this summer, if parents focussed on inculcating good personal hygiene practices like hand washing with antiseptic soap, the risk of any stunted physical or cognitive development among children would be greatly reduced.