Timely medical care, use of ORS and Zinc crucial during summer diarrhea cases: Expert

ISLAMABAD, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 7th May, 2026) Ahead of the summer season, health experts have stressed the need for parental awareness regarding proper hygiene, safe boiled drinking water, and the use of ORS with zinc, warning that waterborne diseases and diarrhea continue to be leading causes of child illness and death.

Speaking to a local news channel, Dr. Nageena Shahzadi warned that cases of diarrhea among children are increasing rapidly with the rise in temperature during the summer season, adding that children are the most vulnerable to waterborne diseases due to dehydration and weak immunity, adding he said delayed treatment can lead to serious health complications.

Dr. Shahzadi stressed that poor hygiene, contaminated food, and unsafe drinking water are among the major causes behind the growing number of diarrhea cases.

She advised parents to ensure children drink boiled or filtered water, wash their hands regularly, and avoid unhygienic street food during extreme heat.

She explained that common symptoms of diarrhea include frequent loose motions, vomiting, fever, stomach pain, weakness, and dehydration.

Dr Nagina said signs of dehydration such as dry lips, sunken eyes, excessive thirst, and reduced urination should never be ignored, especially in young children.

The specialist further advised parents to immediately start Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) along with zinc supplements in case of diarrhea to prevent dehydration and speed up recovery.

She added that ORS and zinc are recommended by the World Health Organization for the treatment of childhood diarrhea.

She said children should also be given fresh homemade food, soups, yogurt, bananas, and plenty of clean fluids during illness.

Dr. Shahzadi urged parents to seek immediate medical attention if a child develops severe dehydration, persistent vomiting, high fever, or blood in stool, adding that timely care, proper hygiene and awareness can significantly reduce the risk of diarrhea and other summer-related diseases among children.