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Bacterial Diarrhea in Young Children – Accurate Diagnosis for Effective Treatment
Bacterial diarrhea remains one of the leading causes of mortality in infants and young children worldwide, particularly in developing countries.
Common causative agents include Salmonella (which may cause fever, abdominal pain, chills, and rose-colored spots on the abdomen and back), Shigella (often causing high fever, abdominal cramps, frequent bowel movements with mucus, blood, or watery stools), Escherichia coli (E. coli) (associated with watery or bloody diarrhea, periumbilical pain, nausea, and vomiting), C. difficile, Campylobacter, and Yersinia.
These bacteria are primarily transmitted via the fecal–oral route, through sources such as:
- Contact with infected livestock or poultry: Bacteria can live in the feces and feathers of animals and spread to humans if hands are not properly washed after handling.
- Raw or undercooked meat: Contaminated poultry, beef, or pork may carry bacteria like Campylobacter or E. coli.
- Contaminated kitchen utensils or surfaces used during food preparation.
- Unsafe drinking water sources.
According to Dr. Phan Thi Thu Minh, Pediatrician at the Pediatrics & Neonatology Department, ӽ紫ý (HFH), accurate identification of the underlying cause is essential when evaluating a child with diarrhea, in order to determine the most appropriate treatment. Other differential diagnoses must also be considered, such as:
- Sepsis, intussusception, urinary tract infections, otitis media, and pneumonia.
- Antibiotic-associated diarrhea, lactose intolerance, parasitic infections, and food poisoning.
- Appendicitis, pseudomembranous colitis, and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS).
If not treated promptly and appropriately, bacterial diarrhea can lead to serious complications such as:
- Sepsis, especially in infants or immunocompromised children.
- Severe dehydration, which can be life-threatening if not corrected.
- Acute kidney injury or HUS.
- Ulcerative colitis, potentially causing permanent damage to the colon.
- Toxic megacolon – a life-threatening complication of colitis.
- Prolonged diarrhea and malnutrition.
- Seizures, which may cause neurological damage.
Parents should seek medical attention if their child presents with any of the following:
- Diarrhea ≥ 6 times within 24 hours.
- Presence of blood in the stool.
- Diarrhea accompanied by vomiting or the child is unable to drink.
- Fever above 38.5°C, or fever persisting for more than a day.
- Severe abdominal pain.
- Signs of dehydration: profuse watery stools, dry lips and mouth, excessive thirst, fatigue, muscle cramps, dizziness, dark or scanty urine.
- Seizures.
- Any other unusual symptoms causing concern.
The treatment of bacterial diarrhea generally involves four key principles:
- Adequate rehydration and electrolyte replacement.
- Avoiding anti-diarrheal medications unless specifically advised.
- Appropriate antibiotic use, guided by physician diagnosis based on the causative bacteria and severity of illness. Treatment is tailored for each child.
- Proper nutrition: Avoid greasy or sugary foods. Recommended foods include lean meats, porridge, potatoes, bread, green vegetables, yogurt, and milk (unless the child has lactose intolerance or a milk allergy).
At the Pediatrics & Neonatology Department of ӽ紫ý, pediatricians collaborate closely with specialists in Gastroenterology and Nutrition to provide accurate diagnoses and comprehensive assessments.
From there, personalized treatment and care plans are developed based on guidelines from the Western medical standards - ensuring that each child receives safe, effective, and individualized care.
To book an appointment with our pediatric specialists, please contact our hotline at 024.35771100, message us via our “ӽ紫ý” Facebook fanpage, or reach out on Zalo at zalo.me/2008009049335817955.
