What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is a frequent, watery bowel movement often caused by a viral  infection but sometimes is caused by bacteria or certain foods.

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

• More bowel movements per day than usual

• Soft and watery stools

• Belly aches or abdominal pain

Home care

If your child seems to have a mild illness and is not taking in as  much by mouth, try increasing fluid intake by offering small amounts  more often.

Older children who are more severely dehydrated (see warning signs) should be given only rehydration therapy (e.g. Pedialyte®, Rehydrate®, Infalyte®).

Give your child foods that are easy to digest such as bananas, toast, rice, noodles, crackers, and applesauce.

Do NOT give your child heavy foods until he feels better.

Do NOT give your child any anti-diarrhea medication.

Follow the package instructions to determine the appropriate dose by your child’s WEIGHT or age for acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Avoid ibuprofen if your child is dehydrated or unable to take anything by mouth.

Do not use aspirin because of the increased risk of Reye’s Syndrome with certain infections.

Warning signs – Call our office for advice if:

Your child becomes listless or unresponsive, Call Our Office Now.

You notice blood in your child’s stool, Call Our Office Now.

Your child refuses to drink, Call Our Office Now.

Your child has any signs of dehydration such as no tears while crying, dry lips and mouth, fewer wet diapers  (around 6 per day is normal) or urination, or sunken eyes, Call Our Office Now.

Your child continues to have diarrhea after 4 days, Call Our Office Now.

Your child develops a fever, please refer to the fever page.

You have any questions or concerns, or if you have any doubts about the severity of your child’s symptoms, Call Our Office Now.