Key Takeaways
Diarrhoea is the second leading cause of death in children under 5 globally, responsible for 5 lakh deaths annually (WHO 2023).
ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) is the cornerstone of diarrhoea management and prevents the vast majority of diarrhoea deaths.
In Pune, paediatric diarrhoea hospital admissions rise 45 to 60% during July to September monsoon (Industry estimate).
Danger signs requiring immediate hospital admission: sunken eyes, no urination for 8 hours, inability to drink, blood in stool.
Zinc supplementation for 10 to 14 days alongside ORS reduces diarrhoea duration and recurrence (WHO recommendation).
Dr Kapil Jadhav and Dr Sachin Admuthe, Paediatricians at Baner Multi-Speciality Hospital, manage all age groups from newborns. Most viral diarrhoea in children resolves within 5 to 7 days with correct home management.
Introduction
Every monsoon season, Baner’s paediatric OPD sees a surge in young children with vomiting, diarrhoea and fever. Most cases are viral or related to contaminated food and water — and most can be safely managed at home with correct ORS use. But some cases can escalate to dangerous dehydration within hours, particularly in infants under 2.
This guide is written for parents of children in Baner, Aundh, Balewadi and Hinjewadi. Dr Kapil Jadhav and Dr Sachin Admuthe, Paediatricians at Baner Multi-Speciality Hospital, have reviewed this content to give you clear, age-appropriate guidance on managing your child’s diarrhoea at home and knowing when to come to hospital.
Quick Facts
ORS Packet Cost: INR 10 to 25 (freely available at all Baner pharmacies)
Zinc Supplement (10-day course): INR 50 to 100
IV Fluids Admission Cost at Baner Hospital: INR 5,000 to 15,000 (for 1 to 2 days)
Most Common Cause of Monsoon Diarrhoea in Children: Rotavirus and adenovirus
Danger Sign Timeline: Moderate dehydration can occur within 4 to 8 hours of frequent stools in infants Rotavirus Vaccine: Available and recommended in India for infants under 8 months
| Metric | Data Point | Source |
| Global diarrhoea deaths in children under 5 annually | Approx. 5 lakh | WHO 2023 |
| India diarrhoea deaths in under-5 children (annual) | Approx. 1 lakh | ICMR / NHP India |
| Rise in paediatric diarrhoea admissions in Pune monsoon | 45 to 60% | Industry estimate |
| ORS efficacy in preventing diarrhoea-related death | Prevents over 90% of deaths | WHO UNICEF data |
| Rotavirus share of severe diarrhoea in Indian children | 40 to 50% | ICMR / PubMed |
| Zinc supplementation impact on diarrhoea duration | Reduces by 1 to 2 days | WHO / PubMed |
| Rotavirus vaccine efficacy for severe disease | 85 to 96% | PubMed / WHO |
Common Causes of Diarrhoea in Children During Pune Monsoon
Viral gastroenteritis (rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus) is the most common cause of acute watery diarrhoea in children under 5. It spreads through contaminated hands, surfaces and food. Bacterial causes (Salmonella, Shigella, E. coli) are less common but tend to cause more severe illness with fever and bloody stools.
During Pune’s monsoon, contaminated water from flooding, street food prepared in unhygienic conditions and failure to wash hands after outdoor play are the most common transmission routes. Rotavirus, notably, spreads through the faeco-oral route even in households with good hygiene.
How to Prepare and Give ORS at Home
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) is the most effective treatment for diarrhoea in children. One ORS sachet dissolved in 200 ml of clean (boiled and cooled) water is the standard preparation. Never make ORS weaker or stronger than the instructions — incorrect concentration can harm the child.
ORS amounts by age: Infants under 2 years: 50 to 100 ml after each loose stool. Children 2 to 10 years: 100 to 200 ml after each loose stool. Children over 10 years: as much as they want. Breast feeding should be continued throughout diarrhoea illness. Do not restrict feeds.
Continue normal feeding throughout diarrhoea. Children on solid foods should be given easily digestible foods (khichdi, banana, boiled potato, curd rice). Avoid fruit juices, sugary drinks and carbonated drinks — these worsen diarrhoea.
Zinc Supplementation: Why It Matters
WHO and UNICEF recommend zinc supplementation alongside ORS for all children with diarrhoea. Zinc: 10 mg per day for infants under 6 months, 20 mg per day for children over 6 months, for 10 to 14 days. Zinc reduces the duration and severity of diarrhoea by up to 25% and prevents recurrence in the following 2 to 3 months.
Zinc is inexpensive (INR 50 to 100 for a course), widely available in Baner pharmacies and safe for all age groups within recommended doses.
Danger Signs: When to Bring Your Child to Baner Hospital Immediately
| Danger Sign | What It Indicates | Action Required |
| No urine for 6 to 8 hours | Significant dehydration | Go to Baner hospital emergency immediately |
| Sunken eyes and dry mouth | Moderate to severe dehydration | Hospital emergency — IV fluids likely needed |
| Child unable to drink | Unable to rehydrate orally | IV fluids required — go to emergency |
| Blood in stools | Bacterial dysentery | Antibiotic evaluation needed urgently |
| Vomiting everything given | Cannot absorb ORS | IV or nasogastric rehydration needed |
| Drowsiness or lethargy | Severe dehydration or sepsis | Emergency admission — do not delay |
| Fever over 39C in child under 1 year | Bacterial infection possible | Immediate paediatric review |
Hospital Management of Severe Diarrhoea at Baner
Children with severe dehydration who cannot take ORS are admitted for IV fluid replacement. Dr Jadhav and Dr Admuthe assess hydration status clinically (skin turgor, capillary refill, heart rate, fontanelle in infants) and decide on IV fluid type and rate.
Most children recover within 24 to 48 hours of IV fluids, oral rehydration and zinc supplementation. Stool culture is sent if bacterial infection is suspected. Antibiotics are only prescribed for proven bacterial diarrhoea — not for routine viral gastroenteritis.
Baner Multi-Speciality Hospital’s paediatric team is available 24×7. The emergency OT can handle any rapidly deteriorating child including those needing urgent IV access or management of febrile seizures triggered by dehydration.
Prevention of Diarrhoea in Children During Pune Monsoon
Wash hands with soap for 20 seconds before feeding the child and after nappy changes and toilet use. Boil all drinking water or use a reliable RO purifier. Avoid feeding children raw salads or street food during monsoon weeks. Store cooked food in covered containers and refrigerate promptly.
Rotavirus vaccination is now part of India’s Universal Immunisation Programme and protects against the most common severe cause of viral diarrhoea. Ask Dr Jadhav about the vaccination schedule at Baner hospital if your infant hasn’t received it yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
A: Most childhood diarrhoea is self-limiting and manageable at home with ORS. Go to Baner Multi-Speciality Hospital’s emergency immediately if your child has not urinated for 6 to 8 hours, has sunken eyes, is too weak to drink, has blood in stools, has a high fever (over 39 degrees C) or is unusually drowsy. These indicate dangerous dehydration or bacterial infection.
A: Yes. Give small, frequent amounts — 5 to 10 ml by syringe or spoon every 2 to 3 minutes. Most children will keep small amounts down even when vomiting. If vomiting is so severe that the child cannot keep any ORS down over 1 to 2 hours, come to Baner hospital for IV fluids assessment.
A: No. Continue breastfeeding throughout diarrhoea illness. Breast milk provides nutrition, immune support and hydration that are all beneficial during illness. Give ORS between feeds. Do not replace breast milk with ORS — give both.
A: Antibiotics are not needed for most childhood diarrhoea, which is viral. They are indicated for bloody diarrhoea with fever (suggests Shigella or E. coli), cholera in endemic areas and diarrhoea in malnourished or immunocompromised children. Do not give antibiotics without a paediatrician’s prescription — overuse increases antibiotic resistance.
A: Feed your child normally — do not starve a child with diarrhoea. Good options include khichdi, mashed rice with dal water, banana, curd rice, boiled potato and toast. Avoid fruit juices, sugary drinks, high-fat foods and raw vegetables until stools normalise. Children recover faster when fed adequately throughout illness.
Conclusion
Paediatric diarrhoea in Pune’s monsoon is common but rarely dangerous when parents act quickly with ORS, zinc and vigilant monitoring. Understanding the danger signs means you can manage safely at home and recognise the rare case that needs urgent hospital care.
Dr Kapil Jadhav and Dr Sachin Admuthe, Paediatricians at Baner Multi-Speciality Hospital, provide 24×7 emergency and OPD paediatric care for children across Baner, Aundh, Balewadi, Wakad and Hinjewadi. The hospital’s paediatric unit is equipped with baby warmers, IV access and neonatal support.
For any monsoon health concern about your child, book a paediatric OPD appointment at banerhospital.com or come directly to the 24×7 emergency. Your child’s health is our priority — and a quick visit is always better than a worried night at home.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or specialist before making any health-related decisions. The costs, statistics and clinical details mentioned are indicative and subject to change. For personalised advice, please book a consultation at Baner Multi-Speciality Hospital.
