Essay On Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death among children under five years worldwide accounting for about 1.5 million deaths each year (UNICEF &WHO, 2009). Being a disease that occurs mainly in areas with poor water supply, hygiene, and sanitation, acute gastroenteritis is a common illness among children in sub-Saharan Africa. Children under five years in this region experience on average five diarrhoeal episodes every year (Boschi-pinto, 2009). In Kenya, diarrhea is the third leading cause of under five mortality (KDHS, 2008-09).

Acute gastroenteritis is an infection of the gastrointestinal tract that commonly affects young children. During an episode of gastroenteritis there is an increased loss of water and electrolytes through vomiting and diarrhoea. When the lost fluid and electrolytes are not replaced adequately, a deficit of water and electrolytes develops resulting in to dehydration (WHO, 2005). When untreated, dehydration is the main cause of death due to gastroenteritis. Acute watery diarrhoea accounts for 80% of all childhood diarrhoea and causes 50% of all childhood deaths (WHO, 2005). In Kenya it accounts for about 90% of all under five

The recommended home fluids to be used for management of acute gastroenteritis are cereal gruel (Uji), fresh and fermented milk, fresh fruit juices; soups prepared from meat, fish and chicken, breast milk and clean safe water (MoPHS, 2010). Salt-sugar solution, bottled/packed commercial soft drinks and juices must not be used for rehydration or maintenance therapy as they have inappropriately high osmolarities and low sodium concentrations (Kliegman,