KARACHI: With the onset of summer and the approach of the pre-monsoon season in Pakistan, doctors have urged parents to take extra care of their children, keeping them well-hydrated and properly nourished to prevent diarrhoea and vomiting — illnesses that can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. Children are particularly vulnerable during periods of extreme heat, as their bodies lose fluids and essential minerals more quickly than adults. Health experts say prolonged exposure to heat, unsafe drinking water and poor food hygiene during summer months can increase the risk of gastrointestinal infections. Talking to Business Recorder, Prof. Dr Iqbal A. Memon, Consultant of Paediatrics and Gastroenterology/ Nutrition and Liver diseases at Park Lane Hospital in Karachi, said certain illnesses occur in infants when the weather changes as they have weak immune systems. “The hot weather may increase the risk of diarrhoea in children, ” he said, adding dehydration and malnourishment may cause diarrhoea and vomiting along with fever. This usually results in loss of fluids and minerals, including salts. Doctors say diarrhoea remains one of the leading causes of illness among young children in Pakistan during the hotter months. Repeated episodes can quickly weaken children, especially infants, by causing rapid loss of water, salts and other nutrients needed for normal body function. If parents notice symptoms of diarrhoea or vomiting in their children, they should give them as much water and other liquids as possible. “As per World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations (2005), they should immediately start giving ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) to overcome water and salt deficiencies, ” Dr Memon said. “In such cases, we recommend starting ORS immediately. Low osmolarity ORS that contains less sugar and performs better in trials for children is preferred, ” he added. Low osmolarity ORS contains lower concentrations of glucose and salts than older formulations, which improves absorption of water from the intestines. Paediatricians say this helps reduce stool output, vomiting and the need for intravenous fluids, making it particularly effective in preventing dehydration in infants and young children. Because it is easier on the stomach and better tolerated during acute diarrhoeal episodes, low osmolarity ORS is widely recommended for early treatment at home as well as in clinical settings. If the severity of diarrhoea and/or vomiting continue, parents should seek doctors’ advice. “Doctors may also prescribe zinc, which helps reduce the severity and duration of diarrhoea and protect children from future episodes, ” he said. “Zinc is recommended for each episode of diarrhoea, ” he said, adding parents should give zinc only after consulting with a doctor. Health experts say zinc is essential for a child’s growth, immunity and intestinal health. During diarrhoea, the body loses zinc along with fluids and salts, which can prolong illness and delay recovery if not addressed in time. In Pakistan, zinc deficiency remains a significant but often overlooked public health concern among children. Nutrition specialists say inadequate intake of zinc can weaken immunity, increase susceptibility to repeated infections such as diarrhoea and pneumonia, and contribute to poor growth and stunting. The risk is particularly high among children in low-income households where diets are often low in animal-source foods, one of the main natural sources of zinc. The paeds experts asked parents not to stop giving foods and liquids to children suffering from diarrhoea and vomiting. “The WHO recommendations state children should be given foods and liquids to keep them hydrated and nourished as this will give them the power to fight against the illness and make a fast recovery, ” he said. Parents, however, should avoid giving juices. “Rather, they should give children plain water, ORS, yogurt-based drinks (lassi), coconut water, rice and other cereals, ” he added. This will ensure children do not get dehydrated and will help stabilise blood sugar levels. In case of severity, doctors may prescribe medications through drips, he said. Dr Memon further said children should be given ORS after returning from playing outside to overcome the loss of water and salt. However, parents should avoid giving so-called energy drinks. Health experts advise parents to watch closely for early warning signs, maintain safe food and drinking water practices, and start rehydration promptly. Timely medical advice, along with proper fluids, nutrition and doctor-recommended ORS or zinc when needed, can help prevent complications and protect children during the hottest months of the year. Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
Doctors say loss of water, salts and zinc cause diarrhoea, vomiting among children during summer
RELATED ARTICLES
