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Diarrhea

Diarrhea

Programs that treat this condition

Center for Motility and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined either as watery stool or increased frequency (or both) when compared to a normal amount. It is a common problem that may last a few days and disappear on its own.

Diarrhea may be:

acute (short-term, lasting less than two weeks), which is usually related to bacterial or viral infections
chronic (long-term, lasting longer than two weeks), which is usually related to functional disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome, or may be due to diseases such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, celiac sprue, or Giardia.

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea in children may be caused by a number of conditions, including the following:

bacterial infection
viral infection
food intolerances or allergies
parasites
reaction to medications

What are the symptoms of diarrhea?

The following are the most common symptoms for diarrhea. However, each child may experience symptoms differently. Severe diarrhea may indicate a serious disease, making it important to consult your child's physician if any/all of the following symptoms persist:

cramping
abdominal pain
bloating
nausea
urgent need to use the restroom
fever
bloody stools

The symptoms of diarrhea may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult your child's physician for a diagnosis.

Warning signs of severe diarrhea:

You should call your pediatrician if your child is less than six months of age or presents any of the following symptoms:

abdominal pain
blood in the stool
frequent vomiting
loss of appetite for liquids
high fever
dry, sticky mouth
weight loss
urinates less frequently (wets fewer than 6 diapers per day)
frequent diarrhea
extreme thirst
no tears when crying
depressed fontanelle (soft spot) on infant's head

How is diarrhea diagnosed?

In addition to a complete physical examination and laboratory tests for blood and urine, the child's physician may request:

laboratory examination of stool sample
additional blood tests

Treatment for diarrhea:

Specific treatment will be determined by your child's physician based on:

your child's age, overall health, and medical history
the extent of the disorder
your child's tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
the expectations for the course of the disorder
your opinion or preference

Treatment usually involves replacing lost fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infections are the cause.

A child with diarrhea can have regular fluids or special fluids (such as Pedialyte or Gatorade) for diarrhea. Do not use anti-diarrheal medications unless recommended by your child's physician.


					Children's Hospital Boston is the primary pediatric teaching hospital of Harvard Medical School

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