erythema The child may also be extremely weak and exhausted. Any persistent diarrhea should be suspected of being dysentery, especially if it is severe or bloody. Shigella bacteria Salmonella bacteria Dysentery is an injection oj the intestinal tract that is caused either by salmonella or shigella bacteria or by amoebas. HOME CARE Do not attempt to treat dysentery on your own. Whenever diarrhea is severe or bloody, see your doctor. Dysentery must be diagnosed by a doctor and often requires treatment with specific medications. While waiting to see the doctor, give the child plenty of clear liquids. Liquids are needed to replace those being lost because of the diarrhea. Extra liquids will help prevent dehydration (a serious loss of body fluids). Clear liquids that are the most helpful include commercial electrolyte solutions (available from your pharmacist), tea, and flavored gelatin water. Limit or eliminate solid foods from the child's diet. Especially avoid butter, fatty meats, peanut butter, wholegrain cereals, vegetables, and most fruits (apples and bananas are all right). Do not give the child milk, since milk may further aggravate diarrhea. PRECAUTIONS • Always report severe or bloody diarrhea to your doctor. • If diarrhea lasts more than two or three days, call your doctor. • The younger the child, the more easily dehydration can occur with diarrhea. Infants can become dehydrated rapidly (within 12 to 24 hours after diarrhea begins). • Do not give antidiarrheal medications to children, since side effects are common and can be dangerous. • When traveling, carefully choose sources of food and water, being alert to the possibility of poor sanitation. • If you suspect dysentery, isolate the child and dispose of stools carefully. • Practice good hygiene in your home. Wash hands after treating an ill member of the family. Always wash hands carefully before cooking and eating. MEDICAL TREATMENT A culture of the stools (with microscopic examination for amoebas and other parasites) confirms the diagnosis. Cultures of the blood and urine are sometimes performed, as well as tests for specific antibodies m the blood. If dysentery is diagnosed, your doctor may hospitalize your child for reatment and isolation. Specific antibiotics for treating dysentery are ailable, although they are not always necessary. Diagnosed cases of aysentery must be reported to health authorities. ELATED TOPICS: Arthritis; Dehydration; Diarrhea in older chil Diarrhea in young children; Meningitis? Quick Reference Dyslexia SYMPTOMS • Confusion about being righthanded or lefthanded • Difficulty in telling time or remembering sequences • Hyperactivity • Language problems • Lack of coordination • Poor memory • Lack of balance • Seeing letters or numbers reversed HOME CARE • The dyslexic child needs to be encouraged and supported, but not overprotected, by the family. • Work with the child's doctor and teachers to help the child. foot and mouth