Parents Guide: Diarrhea in Children

In the US, children younger than four may have diarrhea one or two times a year. A common symptom in children is more frequent bowel movements with watery and loose stool. In this blog, we will discuss diarrhea in children, its symptoms, how to manage them, and when to call your doctor. 

What is Diarrhea?

Frequent loose or watery bowel movements that differ from your child's typical excrement are diarrhea. If diarrhea is severe or lasts long, dehydration is likely. Even if your child is not dehydrated, chronic diarrhea often causes them to lose or not gain weight.

Diarrhea is a typical problem for children worldwide. Along with dehydration, this results in 1.5 to 2.5 million fatalities yearly. It is the cause of about 9% of hospital stays in the US due to diarrhea in children younger than five years old.

Causes of Diarrhea in Children

Understanding what causes diarrhea in toddlers can help you take preventative measures and seek appropriate treatment when necessary. Typically lasting a few days to a week, diarrhea is the body's method of purging itself from pathogens. The most common causes of pediatric diarrhea are the following 

1. Viral Infections

Historically, rotavirus has been the most prevalent cause of diarrhea in children under two. Other viruses, like norovirus and adenovirus, have also been responsible. Since introducing the oral rotavirus vaccine in 2006, the number of children suffering from this intestinal infection has decreased significantly.

2. Bacterial Infections 

Childhood diarrhea is often caused by E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella bacteria. Within a few hours of your child consuming contaminated food, these bacteria are frequently to blame for food poisoning, which can result in vomiting and diarrhea.

3. Parasitic Infections 

The parasitic intestinal infection giardia is more prevalent among infants attending daycare centers. Toys, food, hands, and other objects contaminated with feces can expose your baby to giardia. Thankfully the majority of children recover without special treatment.

4. Food Intolerances and Allergies

Chronic diarrhea is commonly caused by food sensitivities, lactose, sucrose, and fructose intolerance. Milk, other milk products, and soy are the most prevalent food allergies that can affect your child's digestive tract.

5. Antibiotic Use 

Multiple antibiotics, including Macrolides, Cephalosporins, and Penicillins, can induce diarrhea in your child. Usually, diarrhea is minimal and does not cause dehydration or weight loss. In most instances, you shouldn't stop giving your child antibiotics or make other dietary changes.

 After discontinuing antibiotics, diarrhea usually subsides. You should contact a healthcare provider if your child's diarrhea becomes severe, bloody, or does not improve after stopping antibiotics. 

6. Inflammatory bowel disease 

Diarrhea and severe stomach discomfort are common if your child has inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD makes parts of the bowel (intestine) swell up (red and swollen). It's a chronic illness that lasts long or keeps returning and going away.

7. Other factors 

Stress, anxiety, and changes in diet or routine can also cause diarrhea in your child.

How Can Your Child Prevent Diarrhea?

As parents, it's essential to know how to stop diarrhea in babies fast, so you can provide relief and prevent dehydration. The best way to avoid children's diarrhea is to stop the spread of germs:

• Follow safety rules for food and drinks to keep bacteria and viruses from getting into them (food poisoning).
• Use a cleaner that kills viruses to clean table tops, doorknobs, and other often-touched places.
• Your whole family should wash their hands often and well. Use water and soap for at least 20 seconds. This is especially important after going to the bathroom and cooking or eating food.
• Make sure your child gets all the necessary vaccines on time.

Home Treatment for Your Child's Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common illness affecting children, especially those under five. Here are some home treatment remedies for your child's diarrhea:

1. Fluids

Baby diarrhea is more likely to come up with dehydration than older children or adults because infants lose liquids faster per pound. Moreover, baby diarrhea treatment includes giving your baby breast milk or a bottle and oral rehydration drink more often.

On the other hand, for children with mild to moderate dehydration, oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is a safer, cheaper, and more accessible option for intravenous fluids. 

Oral rehydration solution (ORS) has the right amount of sugar, glucose, and electrolytes to replace water and electrolytes lost when a child has diarrhea or vomiting. 

2. BRAT Diet 

The letters BRAT represent bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. It is frequently suggested and used as a short-term dietary treatment for acute diarrhea.

3. Probiotics

Good bacteria, or probiotics, can help your child's digestive system and the health of their gut flora. There is evidence that probiotics help treat acute infectious diarrhea in babies and young children. According to the data, Lactobacillus GG has the most consistent effect. 

4. Avoiding Certain Foods

For infant diarrhea treatment, you can avoid giving your child fatty or greasy foods, dairy products, spicy foods, and sugary drinks. They can aggravate diarrhea

5. Rest 

Mild diarrhea in your child can be safely treated at home. This includes suggesting that they relax. Encourage your child to rest and avoid strenuous activity, such as running and cycling, which can cause further dehydration. 

When to Get Immediate Medical Help for Diarrhea?

In certain circumstances, a child with diarrhea will require immediate medical attention. Here are some symptoms and indications:

• Cannot retain fluids or has thrown up more than twice.
• A case of newborn diarrhea with persistent fever or is under six months old and has a temperature greater than 100.4° F (determined by a rectal thermometer)
• Looks very ill
• Has diarrhea for at least three days
• Vomit fluid green or yellow?
• Seems fatigued
• Has crimson feces
• Has a weakened immune system if they have more than four diarrhea stools in eight hours and are not imbibing enough.
• With a rash
• Having abdominal discomfort for over two hours
• Has not urinated for six or twelve hours, depending on age.

Look for Expert Pediatrician!

When searching for a "pediatrician near me" or a "Pediatrics Clinic in Houston, Texas," you will find AR Texas Pediatrics. You can avail of our Urgent Care service if your child exhibits diarrheal symptoms that require immediate care or Sick Visit for mild symptoms.

If you want to schedule an appointment, please click here or call (281) 484-6719.