Zinc in the management of diarrhea in young children
Article Abstract:
Zinc supplementation may become important in treating and preventing diarrhea in children. Oral rehydration solutions, consisting of sodium and glucose dissolved in water, are also effective in treating diarrhea in children. However, many children continue to die from diarrhea, even after receiving medical care. These deaths may be due to inadequate maternal care or the inappropriate prescription of drugs rather than rehydration solutions. A 1995 study showed that zinc supplementation of 20 grams a day reduced the risk of diarrhea by 23% in children in India. Zinc is available in various animal meats and is vital to enzyme function and immune response. The question remains of how to most effectively supplement children's diets with zinc, particularly in developing nations where dietary zinc is less available. In any case, other methods of diarrhea treatment and prevention should be continued, including rehydration and improved nutritional and sanitary practices.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1995
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Hypertension in children
Article Abstract:
Hypertension in children should be taken seriously because there is evidence that essential hypertension in adults begins in childhood. Children should have their blood pressure checked every year after the age of three and a child-size cuff should be used. Hypertension tends to run in families but children with hypertension may also have an underlying disease. Kidney disease is the most common cause of hypertension in children. Mild hypertension can be treated with exercise, diet and weight control. More severe disease can be managed with ACE inhibitors or calcium channel blockers.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1996
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Constipation in children
Article Abstract:
Children with chronic constipation who do not respond to laxatives and increased dietary fiber should be given a diet free of cow's milk. Many infants have intolerance to cow's milk, and constipation in these infants can be successfully treated with a diet free of cow's milk. A 1998 study found that 68% of the children with constipation began having bowel movements when they switched from cow's milk to soy milk.
Publication Name: The New England Journal of Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0028-4793
Year: 1998
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