Diarrhea In Children: Understanding The Causes And Symptoms

Diarrhea, particularly bacterial dysentery, is a gastrointestinal infection primarily caused by Shigella bacteria. This condition leads to a range of systemic toxic symptoms and is commonly characterized by fever, abdominal pain, frequent bowel movements, and a strong sense of urgency to defecate.

Common Symptoms Of Dysentery

Initially, children may pass watery stools, but within one to two days, the condition often progresses to mucoid or bloody stools. The frequency of bowel movements can increase dramatically, sometimes reaching tens of evacuations per day, though each instance typically involves a small volume of stool.

What Causes Sudden Diarrhea?

The Role Of Toxins

The abrupt onset of diarrhea is largely due to the rapid production of both endotoxins and exotoxins by the bacteria. These toxins act on the intestinal mucosa, causing inflammation and swelling of lymph nodes in the intestinal wall. As a result, the secretion function of the intestinal lining becomes overactive, leading to an excessive influx of fluid into the intestines and triggering diarrhea.

Why Are Infants And Young Children More Susceptible?

Infants and young children are especially vulnerable to this infection due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Their bodies are less equipped to fight off bacterial invaders, making them more prone to contracting dysentery and experiencing more severe symptoms compared to older children or adults.