First Aid: Diarrhea

Most cases of diarrhea (runny or watery bowel movements) are caused by a viral infection in the intestines (bowels). Diarrhea usually is not a sign of a serious illness, but it can make kids lose fluids, salts, and minerals. If your child has diarrhea, it’s important to make sure fluids and nutrients are replaced.

What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Diarrhea?

• loose and frequent poops
• cramping belly pain
• fever
• loss of appetite
• feeling tired
• weight loss
• dehydration

What to Do

Depending on the amount of fluid lost and the severity of diarrhea, your doctor will suggest that you:

• continue your child’s regular diet and give more liquids
• offer additional breast milk or formula to infants
• use an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace lost fluids

Do not offer plain water to infants — it doesn’t have enough sodium and other minerals. Avoid apple juice and other sweet drinks because they may make diarrhea worse.

Get Medical Care if Your Child:

• is younger than 6 months old
• has severe or lasting diarrhea
• vomits repeatedly or refuses to drink liquids
• is peeing less than usual
• has severe belly pain
• has diarrhea that contains blood or mucus

Think Prevention!

Make sure kids wash their hands well and often to avoid infections from germs that can cause diarrhea. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Refrigerate meats as soon as possible after buying them and cook them until they’re no longer pink.