Disclaimer [ENGLISH]
Disclaimer : This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, as...
Disclaimer: This material is for educational purposes only. You, the reader, assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it. It is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment, nor does it replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. Reference to a specific commercial product or service does not imply endorsement or recommendation of that product or service by CPCMG.
What is diarrhea?
- Watery, loose stools happening three or more times per day.
- One or two loose stools can be normal due to a change in diet.
- Diarrhea is a common illness for children.
- It is common for children under 4 to have diarrhea one to two times per year.
- Common causes include:
- Infections. Usually from a virus. Sometimes other infections.
- Food intolerance, food allergy, or food sensitivity.
- Drinking a lot of juice, soda, or other sweetened drinks.
- Antibiotics can cause loose stools. This is a common side effect, not an allergic reaction.
- Uncontrolled anxiety or recurrent high stress levels can cause diarrhea.
What are the symptoms of diarrhea?
- In addition to frequent, watery stools your child might experience the following gastrointestinal symptoms:
- Abdominal pain, bloating or increased gas.
- Blood or mucus in their stool.
- Decreased appetite. Increased thirst.
- Depending on what is causing the diarrhea, your child might also experience
- Fever.
- Fatigue, increased tiredness, decreased activity level.
- Vomiting.
- Rash
What is the treatment for diarrhea?
- Anti-diarrhea medications are not recommended. They can be dangerous for children.
Hydration is the most important.
- Avoid juice – it can cause more diarrhea.
- Continue breastfeeding or formula.
- Electrolyte drinks (such as Pedialyte) provide another option.
- For infants under 2 months check with your provider.
- For infants 6 months and older water can be given.
- Electrolyte drinks (such as Pedialyte) provide another option.
- For toddlers:
- Encourage lots of water.
- Electrolyte drinks (Pedialyte) provide another option.
- For school-aged kids and teens:
- Encourage lots of water.
- Electrolyte drinks provide another option.
Dairy products like milk may increase diarrhea.
- This is usually temporary.
- Yogurt is the exception, as it can be helpful in giving beneficial bacteria back to the belly.
- For those in diapers, be sure to change diapers regularly and apply a thick layer of barrier cream with each diaper change.
How do I prevent my child from having diarrhea?
- Keep your child up to date with vaccines.
- Encourage frequent hand washing.
- Avoid sick contacts.
- Clean high touch surfaces regularly.
- Avoid sharing food, drink, or utensils.
- Avoid unpasteurized products or contaminated foods.
- Limit or avoid sweetened drinks as a regular part of your child’s diet.
When to call your child’s provider:
- Your child’s symptoms are getting worse, or your child is having severe abdominal pain.
- You cannot keep your child hydrated.
- Your child is urinating less than 3 times every 24 hours.
- Your child has a fever for five days.
- Your child has blood in their stool.
- Your child has a rash with the diarrhea.
- Your child has diarrhea for 14 days (about 2 weeks).
- You have noticed your child has diarrhea with a specific food/drink or food group.
- Your child is having trouble breathing.
- You think your child symptoms might be related to anxiety or uncontrolled stress.
- You think your child needs to be seen.
This publication was adapted from information within American Academy of Pediatrics Patient Education Handouts, UpToDate Guidelines and Healthychildren.org
Reviewed by: TT D.O, AR D.O. | 01/2024