Diarrhea in Children: ORS, Home Care, and When It Becomes Dangerous

1What Causes Diarrhea in Filipino Children

Rotavirus is the single most common cause of severe diarrheal disease in Filipino infants and toddlers under two. It causes profuse watery diarrhea, vomiting, and fever simultaneously and can cause dangerous dehydration within hours. Other causes include bacterial infections from contaminated food or water (Salmonella, E. coli), norovirus, and parasitic infections like amoebiasis which is more common in areas with water sanitation challenges. Antibiotic-associated diarrhea is also increasingly common due to overprescription.

2How to Use Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) Correctly

ORS is available at every Mercury Drug and sari-sari store for under ₱20 per sachet — it is the single most important medication for diarrheal disease. Mix one sachet with exactly 200ml of clean water — never more concentrated. Offer small sips every one to two minutes using a spoon or syringe. For children under two: 50-100ml ORS after each loose stool. For children two and older: 100-200ml per loose stool. Continue breastfeeding throughout. BRAT diet (banana, rice, applesauce, toast) helps firm stools.

3What NOT to Do During a Child's Diarrhea Episode

Never give anti-diarrheal medications like Loperamide to children under twelve — they are dangerous and can cause paralytic ileus. Do not withhold food; the gut heals faster when fed. Do not dilute formula to half-strength — this provides less nutrition without reducing diarrhea. Avoid sugary drinks and carbonated beverages which worsen fluid loss. Probiotics containing Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG or Saccharomyces boulardii have evidence for shortening diarrheal illness and can be used safely alongside ORS.

Doctor's Perspective