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Effect on clinical outcome of breast feeding during acute diarrhoea
Insights
Breastfeeding alongside oral rehydration fluid significantly improves outcomes for acute diarrhea in children under two. Breastfed infants experienced fewer stools, reduced stool volume, and faster recovery, decreasing their need for rehydration fluid.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Gastroenterology
- Nutrition
Background:
- Acute diarrhea is a major cause of childhood morbidity and mortality globally.
- Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are a cornerstone of diarrhea management.
- The role of breastfeeding during ORS treatment requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of continued breastfeeding combined with ORS on acute diarrhea management in young children.
- To compare the clinical course and outcomes of children receiving ORS alone versus ORS plus breastfeeding.
Main Methods:
- A comparative study involving two groups of 26 children under two years of age with acute diarrhea.
- Group 1 received oral rehydration fluid alone.
- Group 2 received oral rehydration fluid combined with continued breastfeeding.
Main Results:
- Children who continued breastfeeding during ORS treatment had significantly fewer diarrheal stools.
- These children also passed a smaller total volume of diarrheal stools and demonstrated faster recovery.
- The requirement for oral rehydration fluid was significantly reduced in the breastfeeding group.
Conclusions:
- Continued breastfeeding during oral rehydration therapy exerts a beneficial effect on the course and outcome of acute diarrhea.
- Breastfeeding reduces stool frequency and volume, leading to quicker recovery and decreased need for ORS.
- Integrating breastfeeding into diarrhea management protocols is crucial for improving pediatric health outcomes.
Abstract:
The effects of oral rehydration fluid alone and of oral rehydration fluid plus breast feeding on the course and outcome of acute diarrhoea were assessed in two groups of 26 children aged under 2 years. Children who continued to be breast fed during treatment with oral rehydration solutions passed significantly fewer diarrhoeal stools. They also passed, on average, a smaller volume of diarrhoeal stools and recovered from diarrhoea sooner after the start of treatment. Their requirement for oral rehydration fluid was significantly reduced. Breast feeding exerts a beneficial effect on the course and outcome of acute diarrhoea by reducing the number and volume of diarrhoeal stools.