Diarrhea in Children
Children can have acute or chronic forms of diarrhea. Causes include bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications, functional disorders, and food sensitivities. Infection with the rotavirus is the most common cause of acute childhood diarrhea. Rotavirus diarrhea usually resolves in 5 to 8 days.
Medications to treat diarrhea in adults can be dangerous to children and should be given only under a doctor's guidance.
Diarrhea can be dangerous in newborns and infants. In small children, severe diarrhea lasting just a day or two can lead to dehydration. Because a child can die from dehydration within a few days, the main treatment for diarrhea in children is rehydration.
Take your child to the doctor if any of the following symptoms appear:
Stools containing blood or pus, or black stools
Temperature above 101.4 degrees Fahrenheit
No improvement after 24 hours
Signs of dehydration
Diarrhea and dehydration?
General signs of dehydration include:
Thirst
Less frequent urination
Dry skin
Fatigue
Light-headedness
Dark colored urine
Signs of dehydration in children include:
Dry mouth and tongue
No tears when crying
No wet diapers for 3 hours or more
Sunken abdomen, eyes, or cheeks
Hgh fever
Listlessness or irritability
Skin that does not flatten when pinched and released
If you suspect that you or your child is dehydrated, call the doctor immediately. Severe dehydration may require hospitalization.
When should a doctor be consulted about diarrhea?
Although usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. You should see the doctor if:
You have diarrhea for more than 3 days.
You have severe pain in the abdomen or rectum.
You have a fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
You see blood in your stool or have black, tarry stools.
You have signs of dehydration.
If your child has diarrhea, do not hesitate to call the doctor for advice. Diarrhea can be dangerous in children if too much fluid is lost and not replaced quickly.