When you're in the wilderness, the danger is multiplied by remoteness from medical facilities. Older children should eat bland, starchy foods such as dry crackers, plain oatmeal or plain bread. Don't use salt tablets for treatment of diarrhea or dehydration in children. If you don't have commercial ORS, use a sports drink or improvise by dissolving 1 teaspoon of sugar and a pinch of salt into 1 liter of water. Unless diarrhea is of the more serious kind and evacuation is days away, avoid administering anti-motility medications such as loperamide that stop up the gastrointestinal tract.
Dehydration is the primary danger with diarrhea.
Make sure you are giving enough fluids that the sick child's urine is clear and copious, rather than yellow or orange. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment. Inc. How things get done. Use of this Web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy .