Points about diarrhoea management.

Abstract

Regarding chronic diarrhea, I am convinced that the number of cases falls when antibiotics are not given routinely. This is logical since the gut flora is allowed to recover. In the 10% of children in whom diarrhea persists, a diet such as porridge made from the local starchy staple or mashed bananas, containing 'bound water' is often beneficial. This also helps to replace the lost elements K+ (potassium) and Mg++ (magnesium). In Uganda the custom of cooking beans in the ash from burnt leaves would replenish K+ and Mg++--are there any studies on the effectiveness of this practice?