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Health Information For Parents
Diarrhea is frequent soft or loose bowel movements (poop). Most kids have diarrhea from time to time. It usually doesn’t last long and often gets better on its own.
Diarrhea is usually caused by an infection in the intestines. The germs that cause the infection are:
Viral gastroenteritis (often called the “stomach flu”) is a common illness in children. It causes diarrhea and, often, nausea and vomiting. The symptoms usually last a few days, but kids (especially babies) who can’t take enough liquids may become dehydrated.
Rotavirus affects babies and young kids and can bring on watery diarrhea. Outbreaks are more common in the winter and early spring months, especially in childcare centers. The rotavirus vaccine can protect children from this illness.
Enteroviruses, like coxsackievirus, also can cause diarrhea in kids, especially during the summer months.
Many different types of bacteria can cause diarrhea, including E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella. These bacteria are often responsible for cases of “food poisoning,” which can cause diarrhea and vomiting within a few hours after someone is infected.
Parasitic infections that can cause diarrhea in children include giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis.
Kids can sometimes get diarrhea from:
Kids often get crampy belly pain first, followed by diarrhea that can last 3–5 days. Other symptoms may include:
Doctors will:
Viral diarrhea goes away on its own. Most kids with bacterial diarrhea need treatment with an antibiotic. Parasites always need treatment with anti-parasitic medicines.
Kids who aren’t vomiting or becoming dehydrated can continue eating and drinking or breastfeeding as usual. Continuing a regular diet may even shorten the diarrhea episode. You may want to serve smaller portions of food until the diarrhea ends.
Don’t give your child an over-the-counter anti-diarrhea medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so.
For kids who show signs of mild dehydration, doctors recommend giving oral rehydration solutions (ORS). These are available in most grocery stores and drugstores without a prescription and replace body fluids as needed. Your doctor will tell you what kind to give, how much, and for how long.
Kids should not be rehydrated with water alone because it doesn’t contain the right mix of sodium, potassium, and other important minerals and nutrients.
In some cases, kids with severe diarrhea may need to get IV fluids (given into a vein) at the hospital for a few hours to help treat the dehydration.
It’s almost impossible to prevent kids from ever getting diarrhea. But there are some ways to make it less likely:
Call your doctor if your child has diarrhea and is younger than 6 months old. Also call if your child has:
Call the doctor right away if your child seems dehydrated. Signs include:
Diarrhea is common and usually not a sign of something serious. Find out what to do if your child has diarrhea.
Sometimes, germs can get into food and cause food poisoning. Find out what to do if your child gets food poisoning – and how to prevent it.
Sometimes kids lose fluids and salts through fever, diarrhea, vomiting, or sweating. Here are some tips on preventing or treating dehydration.
Rotavirus infection affects most kids and is one of the most common causes of diarrhea. A vaccine to prevent it is now recommended for all kids.
Vomiting can be caused by many things, most commonly gastroenteritis (the “stomach flu”). Here’s what to do when your child throws up.
Washing your hands well and often is the best way to keep from getting sick. Here’s how to teach this all-important habit to your kids.
These bacterial infections can cause diarrhea, cramping, abdominal pain, and fever. Good hand-washing and food safety habits can help prevent them.
Shigella are bacteria that can infect the digestive tract and cause a wide range of symptoms, from diarrhea, cramping, vomiting, and nausea, to more serious complications and illnesses.
Kids need daily servings of fruits and vegetables. Here’s how to make sure the produce you buy and prepare is safe.
Giardiasis, one of the chief causes of diarrhea in the United States, is an intestinal illness caused by a microscopic parasite.
Your child’s doctor may order a stool collection test to check for blood, bacteria, ova, or parasites. Find out how this test is performed and when you can expect the results.
If you’ve ever had a bad time in the bathroom, then you know what this is.
Ugh. Bellyaches. Find out what causes tummy trouble in this article for kids.
Washing your hands is the best way to stop germs from spreading. Learn all about the best way to wash your hands in this article for kids.
If you have lactose intolerance, you’re not alone. Millions of Americans have the condition. Check out these tips on dealing with lactose intolerance.
Kids with lactose intolerance have trouble digesting a type of sugar found in milk and other dairy foods. But by making smart choices, they can eat delicious foods without feeling sick.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common intestinal problem that can cause cramps, gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation. Certain foods can trigger these problems. So can anxiety, stress, and infections.
Having irritable bowel syndrome can make a kid feel awful. The good news is that kids can take steps to feel better.
Some teens get stomachaches and diarrhea often. Read about irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a common intestinal disorder that affects the colon.
The germs that get into food and cause food poisoning are tiny, but can have a powerful effect on the body. Find out what to do if you get food poisoning – and how to prevent it.
Did you ever eat something that made you feel ooky? It might have been food poisoning.
Nearly everybody gets diarrhea every once in a while, and it’s usually caused by gastrointestinal infections. It’s nothing to be embarrassed about. Read this article to learn more.
Most vomiting is caused by gastroenteritis, and usually isn’t serious. These home-care tips can help prevent dehydration.
Antibiotics are powerful medicines that can help kids feel better — but only when they have certain illnesses. Find out if an antibiotic is right for your child.