KATHMANDU: The summer season is currently underway—an environmentally unfavorable and health-sensitive time of year.
During summer, the risk of various infectious diseases increases due to poor hygiene, consumption of spoiled fruits, outside food, and contaminated water. Children, in particular, are more vulnerable to these infections.
According to doctors, children are more prone to such illnesses than adults because they often consume stale, spoiled, or unclean food, and are more likely to use contaminated water and practice poor hygiene.
Dr. Dinesh Koirala, a pediatrician at Tribhuvan University Teaching Hospital, notes that many children are brought to the hospital with symptoms such as fever and diarrhea.
He explains that children under the age of 10 are frequently affected, with those under one year especially at risk of dehydration. “Young children are often kept indoors and are not given enough water or fluids, which leads to dehydration,” said Dr. Koirala.
He further added that school-aged children—those older than one year—are particularly susceptible to diarrhea. This is because they tend to play outside unsupervised, consume food without washing their hands, and often neglect proper hygiene practices.
What should be done to avoid such health issues?
Since dehydration is a common problem during the summer season, children should be given plenty of fluids. Dr. Dinesh Koirala recommends allowing children to play outdoors, but with proper precautions. As the monsoon has also begun, it’s important that children clean themselves thoroughly after playing outside, avoid eating street food, and only drink water that has been boiled or filtered at home.
What to do when diarrhea occurs
Passing loose stools three to four times a day is considered diarrhea. In such cases, the first step is to give the child Jeevan Jal (oral rehydration solution or ORS). If diarrhea is accompanied by symptoms such as vomiting, fever, dry mouth, or sunken eyes, Dr. Koirala advises visiting a hospital immediately.
He also discourages the old practice of giving homemade salt and sugar water, as it may not contain the correct balance of electrolytes.
Instead, he recommends using Jeevan Jal prepared according to WHO standards, which includes all essential elements required by the body. Improper preparation at home may worsen the condition.
Advice for parents
If your child frequently experiences colds and fevers, Dr. Koirala suggests consulting a pediatrician.
He also advises parents to get their children vaccinated against seasonal flu, as the current season is prone to various viral infections. In terms of nutrition, children should be given a balanced diet that includes pulses, vegetables, green leafy vegetables, fruits, fish, and meat, along with plenty of fluids including clean drinking water.
Maintaining proper hygiene, limiting outside food, and seeking timely medical attention are essential.
If your child has persistent loose stools, vomiting, fever, red eyes, or reduced urination, take them to the hospital immediately. Dr. Koirala warns that a decrease in urination could signal potential kidney complications. Therefore, parents should closely monitor whether their child is urinating regularly.
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