In Quang Ninh, a 3-year-old boy suffered from a high fever of 40 degrees Celsius, generalized convulsions, and dehydration due to diarrhea. Doctors diagnosed him with acute kidney failure, putting him at risk of death.
On June 3rd, Dr. Do Kiem Thang, from the Pediatrics Department of Bai Chay Hospital, reported that a child with a high fever accompanied by multiple vomiting episodes throughout the day was admitted to the hospital in a lethargic state, with poor consciousness and seizures. The doctor diagnosed the patient with hypovolemic shock due to severe dehydration from acute diarrhea, acute renal failure, electrolyte imbalance, acid-base imbalance, and a high risk of death.
The child received emergency care, including intravenous fluids and electrolytes, and vital signs were monitored. After two days of intensive treatment, the child recovered from shock, heart rate and respiratory rate decreased, dehydration resolved, and the child began to eat and drink on their own.
Hot weather and prolonged high temperatures create favorable conditions for viruses and bacteria to thrive, causing acute diarrhea in children. Children with acute diarrhea have a high rate of stool excretion, which can easily lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and acid-base imbalance, posing a life-threatening risk if not treated promptly.
Doctors advise parents to carefully monitor their children's vomiting and diarrhea during care. When a child has diarrhea, family members can give oral rehydration solution (ORS) diluted with the correct amount of water according to the instructions, avoiding overly concentrated ORS solutions which can cause electrolyte imbalance and seizures. Industrial soft drinks should not be used as they contain a lot of sugar and are easily absorbed into the bloodstream; nor should children drink only plain water to replenish fluids, as this can disrupt electrolyte balance and make them more tired.
Adults should also avoid giving children antibiotics without consulting a doctor, as this can disrupt the gut microbiota and lead to unwanted side effects. Avoid giving anti-vomiting and anti-diarrheal medications, as these can reduce bowel motility, preventing the elimination of the infectious agent and prolonging the illness.
If a child experiences frequent vomiting, uncontrollable diarrhea at home, lethargy, fatigue, and inability to eat or drink, they should be taken to the hospital for examination so that a doctor can assess their dehydration status and provide appropriate treatment, avoiding severe dehydration complications from diarrhea that threaten the child's life.
Minh An
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