FAQS for Diarrhea

 

1.What causes diarrhea in children?

Diarrhea is when stools (bowel movements) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often.

The germs that cause gastroenteritis are:

• viruses (most common)

• bacteria

• parasites

Kids can sometimes get diarrhea from:

• drinking too much juice and other sugar-sweetened beverages (sometimes called “toddler’s diarrhea”)

• food allergies

• lactose intolerance

• antibiotics.

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2. What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

• Cramping

• Belly (abdominal) pain

• Swelling (bloating)

• Upset stomach (nausea)

• Urgent need to use the bathroom

• Fever

• Bloody stools

• Loss of body fluids (dehydration)

• Incontinence

 

3. When Should I Call the Doctor?

Call the doctor if your child:

• can’t drink for several hours

• is peeing less than usual

• has signs of dehydration, such as crying with few or no tears,

• having a dry mouth or cracked lips,

• feeling dizzy or lightheaded,

• acting very sleepy or less alert

• has a high fever

• has blood in their poop

• has diarrhea that doesn’t better after several days

 

4. Can Diarrhea Be Prevented?

Interventions to prevent diarrhoea, including

• safe drinking-water,

• use of improved sanitation

• hand washing with soap,

• can reduce disease risk.