Even a mild attack of diarrhea is usually a symptom of fat-dyspepsia which, if taken in time, may usually be promptly checked.
A dose of castor-oil at the beginning of the attack may relieve any irritation that might have caused the trouble.
It is best to omit all food for at least twenty-four hours. Plain water should be given very freely and occasionally barley water, if the baby is hungry. After that it is best to start with a mixture low in fat. Skimmed milk or boiled milk free from all fat, diluted with cereal water, may be given at regular intervals.
Should slight diarrheal attacks continue, or should the stools be of a diarrheal character, the wisest plan is to substitute a dextrin-maltose mixture for the sugar, as malt decidedly favors fat absorption.
In almost every case of infantile diarrhea it is advisable to consult the physician, especially if there is considerable restlessness and rise in temperature.
Diarrhea is more frequent in summer among bottle-fed babies, as the heat often promotes the growth of germs in the milk. Therefore to sterilize or pasteurize milk during the heated months is especially necessary.
A chill, due to insufficient clothing, will sometimes cause diarrhea. The abdomen, arms, and legs should be kept warm by close-fitting garments of soft wool.
Anemia
In treating anemia in infants, as in adults, the cause should be removed by correcting any errors in diet and treating any other physical deficiencies.