Prepare proper iftar for your kid

Aninda is a seven years old boy. Couple of days ago he started fasting. This was his first fasting in life. So various types of iftar were being prepared by his mother and grandmother. They all took iftar in a festive mood. But following iftar Aninda had abdominal pain and few episodes of vomiting.

On the following morning Aninda developed acute watery diarrhoea. Following few episodes of diarrhoea Aninda developed some signs of dehydration and distended abdomen. Distension of the abdomen was a bit unusual. His parents took him to nearby hospital. His electrolytes examination revealed that his potassium level has decreased too much and that is why he has developed paralytic ileus. Aninda got admitted in hospital and was given intravenous cholera saline and orally potassium solution. After couple of days stay in hospital he became alright.

Traditional iftar that we take after a long day fasting often is not very ideal for kids. So special attention for them is very important. Plenty of  drinking water, hygienically prepared home made sweet lemon beverage to be given to maintain hydration and for correction of hypoglycemia, one or two dates and some fresh fruits should be included in iftar.

Normal family food may be offered two to three hours after iftar. Very strict hygiene to be maintained and preferably all foods should be fresh. Fruits are to be washed with drinking water for a longer period.

Take care of your  beloved kids and pay due attention to their foods.

The author is a Professor of Paediatrics at Community Based Medical College, Mymensingh.

E-mail: mmukkhan@gmail.com