Diarrhea in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Diarrhea means passing loose or watery stools several times a day or more often than is normal for your child. The exact cause of diarrhea is often hard to find. Viruses, foods, and many medicines can cause diarrhea.

Almost everyone has diarrhea now and then. It usually isn't serious, and your child's stools will return to normal soon. The important thing is to have your child drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

The doctor has checked your child carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• Watch for and treat symptoms of dehydration, which means that the body has lost too much water. Symptoms of dehydration include dry eyes and a dry mouth, passing only a little urine, and feeling thirstier than usual.
• Give your child lots of fluids. This is very important if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea. Give your child sips of water or drinks such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. These drinks contain a mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. You can buy them at drugstores or grocery stores. Give these drinks as long as your child has diarrhea. Do not use them as the only source of liquids or food for more than 12 to 24 hours.
• When your child feels like eating, start with small amounts of familiar food. You can try offering a snack or small meal every 3 to 4 hours.
• Limit foods that contain sugar, lactose, fructose, high-fructose corn syrup, and sorbitol. Avoid offering spicy foods if they make your child's diarrhea worse. And avoid giving your child caffeine.
• Make sure that your child rests. Keep your child at home until any fever is gone.
• Wash your hands after you change diapers and before you touch food. Have your child wash their hands after using the toilet and before eating.
• Do not give your child over-the-counter antidiarrhea or upset-stomach medicines without talking to your doctor first. Pepto-Bismol or other medicines may contain salicylates, a form of aspirin. Do not give aspirin to children and teens. It has been linked to Reye syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
• If your child is younger than age 2 or weighs less than 24 pounds, follow your doctor's advice about the amount of medicine to give your child.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
• Your child is confused, doesn't know where they are, or is extremely sleepy or hard to wake up.
• Your child passes maroon or very bloody stools.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child has symptoms of dehydration, which means that the body has lost too much water. Symptoms of dehydration include dry eyes and a dry mouth, passing only a little urine (no wet diapers for 6 hours), and feeling thirstier than usual.
• Your child has severe diarrhea. (This means large, loose bowel movements every 1 to 2 hours.)
• Your child has new or worse belly pain.
• Your child's stools are black and look like tar, are pale or white, or have streaks of blood.
• Your child has a new or higher fever.
• Your child does not want to eat or drink.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child is not getting better after 2 days (48 hours).
• You have questions or are worried about your child's illness.