Use of Symbiotic as Additional Therapy

Oct 13, 2025 by windailys.com 48 views

The Effectiveness of Giving Symbiotic Compared to Placebo in Children with Acute Diarrhea

Acute diarrhea is one of the most serious health problems, especially in children in developing countries. This condition can lead to high morbidity and mortality, often caused by dehydration. In managing diarrhea, rehydration, dehydration, and dietetic therapy becomes a crucial step. Although there has been a progress in diarrhea treatment, there are still a few studies that examine the effects of additional therapy with symbiotic - a combination of probiotics and prebiotics - to healing diarrhea, including in terms of duration, volume, consistency, and diarrhea frequency.

Research Background

Diarrhea is a common health problem that affects millions of children worldwide, especially in developing countries. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), diarrhea is the second leading cause of death in children under the age of 5. In Indonesia, diarrhea is a major health problem, especially in children under the age of 5. The high morbidity and mortality rates of diarrhea in children are often caused by dehydration, which can lead to severe health complications if left untreated.

Research Purposes

This study aims to evaluate the effect of giving symbiotic on children with acute diarrhea compared to placebo, with a focus on aspects of duration, consistency, volume, and frequency of diarrhea. The study also aims to explore the potential benefits of symbiotic in reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea in children.

Method

This study was a randomized clinical trial of a double-blind design, which was carried out between November 2006 and October 2007 at the Central Hospital of H. Adam Malik and Regional General Hospital Dr. Pirngadi in Medan. A total of 116 children who experience acute diarrhea were included in this study. Participants were divided randomly to receive symbiotic or placebo, with a dose of one sachet per day for five days.

Research Result

After five days of monitoring, the results show that the group receiving Symbiotic has an average duration of diarrhea of 1.81 days (SD 0.77), while the Placebo group has an average duration of 2.22 days (SD 0.80). This study also found significant differences in terms of duration, consistency, and volume of diarrhea between the two groups, with the value of P <0.05.

Conclusion

The results showed that giving symbiotics had a positive effect on the duration, consistency, and volume of diarrhea in children compared to those who receive placebo. This indicates that symbiotic can be an effective additional therapy choice in acute diarrhea management in children. What's more, the use of symbiotic can help accelerate recovery and improve the quality of life of children suffering from diarrhea.

Implications for Health Practices

With the discovery of the benefits of symbiotic in the treatment of acute diarrhea, it is important for medical personnel to consider their use as additional therapy. In clinical practice, symbiotic integration into diarrhea management can help reduce mortality due to dehydration, increase recovery speed, and overall improve the health of children in developing countries. In addition, more studies are still needed to explore the potential of Symbiotics in various other gastrointestinal conditions.

Future Directions

The use of symbiotic is not only limited to the treatment of diarrhea, but also can be part of a broader prevention strategy against gastrointestinal diseases in children, with the hope of creating a healthier generation and free from digestive problems.

Recommendations

Based on the findings of this study, the following recommendations are made:

Use of Symbiotic as Additional Therapy: Symbiotic can be used as an additional therapy in the management of acute diarrhea in children.
Integration of Symbiotic into Diarrhea Management: Symbiotic should be integrated into diarrhea management to reduce mortality due to dehydration and increase recovery speed.
Further Research: More studies are needed to explore the potential of Symbiotics in various other gastrointestinal conditions.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including:

Small Sample Size: The sample size of this study is relatively small, which may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Short Duration: The study only monitored the participants for five days, which may not be sufficient to capture the full effects of symbiotic on diarrhea.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found that giving symbiotic had a positive effect on the duration, consistency, and volume of diarrhea in children compared to those who receive placebo. The use of symbiotic can help accelerate recovery and improve the quality of life of children suffering from diarrhea. Further research is needed to explore the potential of Symbiotics in various other gastrointestinal conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Symbiotic and Diarrhea

As a parent or caregiver, you may have questions about symbiotic and its effects on diarrhea in children. Here are some frequently asked questions and answers to help you better understand the topic.

Q: What is symbiotic?

A: Symbiotic is a combination of probiotics and prebiotics that helps to promote a healthy gut microbiome. Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for the body, while prebiotics are non-digestible fibers that help to feed the good bacteria.

Q: How does symbiotic help with diarrhea?

A: Symbiotic helps to reduce the duration and severity of diarrhea by promoting a healthy gut microbiome. It helps to restore the balance of good bacteria in the gut, which can help to reduce inflammation and improve digestion.

Q: Is symbiotic safe for children?

A: Yes, symbiotic is generally considered safe for children. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before giving any new supplement to a child.

Q: How long does it take for symbiotic to work?

A: The effects of symbiotic can be seen within a few days to a week. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the individual child and the severity of the diarrhea.

Q: Can symbiotic be used in conjunction with other treatments?

A: Yes, symbiotic can be used in conjunction with other treatments for diarrhea, such as rehydration therapy and antibiotics. However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new treatment.

Q: Are there any side effects of symbiotic?

A: Symbiotic is generally considered safe, but it may cause some side effects, such as bloating, gas, and stomach cramps. However, these side effects are usually mild and temporary.

Q: Can symbiotic be used to prevent diarrhea?

A: Yes, symbiotic can be used to prevent diarrhea in children. It can help to promote a healthy gut microbiome and reduce the risk of diarrhea.

Q: How do I choose a symbiotic supplement for my child?

A: When choosing a symbiotic supplement for your child, look for a product that contains a combination of probiotics and prebiotics. Also, make sure to choose a product that is specifically designed for children and has been tested for safety and efficacy.

Q: Can I give symbiotic to my child if they have a fever?

A: No, it's not recommended to give symbiotic to a child who has a fever. If your child has a fever, it's best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper treatment.

Q: Can symbiotic be used to treat other gastrointestinal conditions?

A: Yes, symbiotic can be used to treat other gastrointestinal conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, it's always best to consult with a healthcare professional before using any new treatment.

Q: How do I store symbiotic supplements?

A: Symbiotic supplements should be stored in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture. It's also best to store them in their original packaging to maintain their potency and effectiveness.

Q: Can I give symbiotic to my child if they are taking antibiotics?

A: No, it's not recommended to give symbiotic to a child who is taking antibiotics. Antibiotics can kill off the good bacteria in the gut, and symbiotic may not be effective in this situation. It's best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper treatment.