Wheezing, diarrhea on the rise among children: Consultant Paediatrician

Wheeze and diarrhea are on the rise among children these days due to the dry weather and dust, Consultant Paediatrician at the Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children Dr. Deepal Perera said.

He told reporters that children with wheezing could develop cough which is prevalent at daytime, night and early hours of the day and also breathing difficulties.

Dr. Perera requested parents to bring their children to hospital without any fear if they develop such symptoms as treatment is available in the hospital for such situations.

He said preventive measures should also be taken to prevent wheezing among children, where they should only be breastfed during the first six months and smoking should be avoided if such children were at home.

Dr. Perera said diarrhea is also increasing among the children mainly due to contaminated food and water and the increase of flies due to the dry weather.

He said children with diarrhea could develop symptoms of fever, vomiting, loose motion and stomach ache and added that they should be given natural fluids to avoid dehydration.

“They can be given orange, lime, jeewani liquid, banana and toasted bread and even yoghurt but avoid giving butter, oily food, papaya and leafy vegetables,” he said.(Ajith Siriwardana)