DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN

What Is Diarrhea? Diarrhea is a sudden increase in frequency and looseness of bowel movements. It is difficult to define diarrhea exactly, since there is great individual variation in normal stool frequency. Indicators of diarrhea include a sudden increase in number of stools, a decrease in stool consistency, more watery stools and a tendency for the stools to be green. 

What Causes Diarrhea?  The most common cause of diarrhea is infection, due to viruses, bacteria or parasites. When there is accompanying vomiting (indicating infection in the stomach and upper intestines), the condition is often called gastroenteritis.  Specific germs that cause diarrhea depend on where the patient has been. In developed countries, outbreaks of diarrhea are often linked with contaminated water supplies, contaminated food (food poisoning), or person-to person contact such as in child care centres. Infection-related diarrhea is contagious. Spread can occur from person to person via dirty hands, contaminated food or water, and from some pets.

What Are Its Signs And Symptoms?  Usually abdominal cramps occur before the onset of diarrhea, with the diarrhea itself lasting for a few days. If diarrhea lasts more than two weeks, it is called chronic diarrhea. This may result in weight loss and failure to grow, both serious signs. Excessive water loss can lead to severe dehydration;  signs of this include dry lips and tongue, skin that is pale and dry, sunken eyes, listlessness or decreased activity, and decreased urination (e.g. fewer than six wet diapers a day in an infant).  Other associated signs include fever, vomiting, anorexia and flatulence.

With What Can Diarrhea Caused By Infections Be Confused? Other causes of diarrhea include drug (e.g. antibiotic) therapy, malnutrition leading to a weakened immune system and dietary factors (e.g. overfeeding a colicky infant, introducing new foods such as fruit juices, egg yolk, vegetables, etc). Allergic reactions to dietary proteins such as are found in milk are another cause. Diarrhea is often associated with infections of the upper respiratory  (especially ear infections) and urinary tracts. 

What Can You Do For Diarrhea? The primary concern when treating a diarrheal infection is replacement of fluids, salt and minerals lost via diarrhea, vomiting or sweating due to fever.  The intake of clear liquids, such as water, soda and ginger ale should be increased. However, intake of milk and milk products should be decreased.

Raw vegetables like beans and onions, bran products, spicy foods and any food that normally gives a child loose bowel movements should be avoided.  It is recommended that a diet of bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast ("BRAT") be used until the diarrhea has stopped for one day. You should call your doctor if your child is less than 6 months of age or shows any of the following: blood in the stools, frequent vomiting, abdominal pain, decreased urination, no tears when crying, loss of appetite for liquids, high fever, frequent diarrhea, dry, sticky mouth, weight loss or extreme thirst.  In some cases your doctor will prescribe antibiotics or other medicines to lessen abdominal cramps. Use of over the counter medications without medical supervision is not recommended.