What to do if a child has diarrhea

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The main goal is to prevent dehydration.

In fact, diarrhea is even good. With its help, the body gets rid of harmful viruses, bacteria or toxic substances that have entered the digestive system.

Most often, Diarrhea in Children: Causes and Treatments diarrhea does not last long - up to a couple of days - and goes away on its own. However, there are situations when diarrhea in a child becomes really dangerous.

When urgent doctor's help is needed

Here are signs that diarrhea is a health risk for children.

Call an ambulance immediately if, in addition to diarrhea:

• the child is so weak that he cannot stand up;
• he complains of dizziness or you see his consciousness clouded.

Consult your pediatrician as soon as possible if:

• the child looks frankly sick;
• diarrhea lasts longer than 2–3 days;
• baby is less than 6 months old;
• in addition to diarrhea, vomiting of blood-green or yellow fluid has occurred;
• the child has vomited more than two times;
• you see blood in the stool;
• diarrhea occurs for the third time in less than a month;
• within 8 hours, the child has four or more bouts of diarrhea, and at the same time he drinks little;
• the baby looks dehydrated;
• complains of abdominal pain that does not go away within 2 hours;
• the child has a rash;
• He has a temperature above 39 ° C (or above 38 ° C for children under 6 months old);
• no urination for 6 hours for an infant under one year old and 12 hours for an older child.

Why does a child have diarrhea and what to do

The most common causes of diarrhea in children are as follows.

1. Infection

It can be caused by:

• viruses - for example, rotavirus;
• bacteria such as salmonella;
• parasites such as lamblia.

Most often, it is viruses that become the culprits of diarrhea. In this case, diarrhea (aka viral gastroenteritis) is often accompanied by headache, fever, vomiting, and bouts of abdominal pain.

What to do about it

Viral gastroenteritis can last 5 to 14 days. The most important thing during this period is to avoid dehydration. Be sure to contact your pediatrician: he will give recommendations on the drinking regimen and tell you how to make sure your child is getting enough fluids.

If the child refuses to drink, offer him ice pops - this is a way to give the baby the necessary moisture.

Do not forget to inform your doctor if you and your child have recently returned from a trip, especially outside the country. In this case, the pediatrician may order an additional stool test to exclude infections that are not typical for your region.

2. Reaction to certain medications

Diarrhea in children is often caused by:

• laxatives;
• antibiotics.

What to do about it

Most often, drug-induced diarrhea is easily tolerated. However, it is still better not to allow it: such diarrhea suggests that the body is not well from a particular remedy.

If we are talking about laxatives, stop taking them. If diarrhea appears against the background of the use of antibiotics, do not interrupt the course, but consult a pediatrician. Your doctor may recommend reducing your dose, switching to a different drug, changing your diet, or adding probiotics to it.

3. Food poisoning

Poisoning diarrhea is usually accompanied by nausea and sometimes vomiting. But in most cases, the symptoms go away on their own within 24 hours.

What to do about it

Diarrhea caused by poisoning is treated in the same way as viral diarrhea. Stay hydrated and consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns.

4. Indigestion

Here is a list of diseases that can cause diarrhea from time to time:

• irritable bowel syndrome;
• food allergy;
• celiac disease (gluten intolerance);
• Crohn's disease is a chronic inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.

What to do about it

Treat the underlying disease. And watch your diet - limit irritating foods. If you are unsure of what exactly causes diarrhea (and especially if bouts of diarrhea occur regularly), be sure to check with your pediatrician. The doctor may order additional tests to help establish the underlying diagnosis.