What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is when your child has watery or loose stool that is more frequent than their usual number of stools. There are many different causes of diarrhea. In children, it is most often caused by a virus that infects the lining of the intestines, called gastroenteritis. Since there are many different viruses that cause gastroenteritis and they are contagious, children can experience diarrhea from viral infections multiple times a year.
Other less common causes of diarrhea include bacterial infections, parasitic infections, food poisoning or side effects of medications such as antibiotics. Diarrhea caused by antibiotics is known as antibiotic-associated diarrhea. Diarrhea can also be caused by medical conditions that affect how food is absorbed from the intestines.
During the first few months of life, many breastfed babies have bowel movements that can be frequent and loose. This is not considered diarrhea.
Signs and symptoms of severe diarrhea
Signs of diarrhea include:
- sudden increase in the number of bowel movements
- poops that contain mucus or blood
- poops that are very watery
Severe diarrhea can be harmful because it causes dehydration. Dehydration is a loss of fluid in the body. Infants can lose too much fluid very quickly and should be seen by their health-care provider.
Signs of dehydration include:
- dry mouth or tongue
- fewer or no tears when crying
- sunken eyes
- not urinating (peeing) as often as usual or less than three times per day
- dark urine
- sunken fontanelle (the "soft spot" on the top of the baby's head) in babies less than a year old
- low energy
- increased thirst
Diarrhea can last up to one week
Diarrhea from gastroenteritis can last from one to seven days. During this time, give your child plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Your child should continue eating to keep healthy. Talk to your doctor if diarrhea continues for more than two weeks.
Infectious diarrhea spreads easily
Diarrhea caused by viruses and other infections is very contagious. Wash your and your child's hands well with soap and water after every trip to the bathroom or diaper change. Children are considered contagious for as long as they have diarrhea.
How to take care of your child with diarrhea at home
In general, the best treatment for diarrhea is to prevent dehydration by giving your child plenty of fluids.
Diarrhea in babies less than 6 months old
Breastfed babies should continue to breastfeed while they have diarrhea. If you need to stop breastfeeding for any reason, make sure to pump your breasts until you can start breastfeeding again.
Formula-fed babies should continue to take their usual formula while they have diarrhea. Do not dilute the formula.
If you think your baby has diarrhea and is not vomiting, continue breastfeeding or offer their usual formula, but offer the feedings more frequently.
If the diarrhea is very severe or you notice signs of dehydration, you may give your child an oral rehydration solution (ORS), such as Pedialyte or Enfalyte. Give the ORS after or between feedings. The ORS should NOT replace breast milk.
If your baby is not drinking as much as usual, use a dropper to give either expressed breast milk, formula or ORS. Give your baby 1 teaspoon (5 mL) of fluid every three minutes. Increase the amount as tolerated.
Do not give other types of liquids, such as juice, rice water, sports drinks, tea or homemade drinks to your baby.
Diarrhea in babies who eat solid foods
If your baby eats solid foods and has diarrhea, continue with their regular diet.
Diarrhea in toddlers and children
If the diarrhea is mild, limit your child's intake of undiluted juice, ginger ale and other soft drinks. These drinks contain sugars that can make the diarrhea worse. Drinks with caffeine, such as colas, also make diarrhea worse.
If the diarrhea is frequent and very watery, give your child plenty of fluids. If your child is showing signs of dehydration, you can give them diluted apple juice (half apple juice and half water) or their preferred liquid. You may also give your child ORS (such as Pedialyte, Enfalyte or Pediatric Electrolyte).
Your child should keep eating solid foods while they have diarrhea. Good nutrition will help their recovery.
Treating diaper rash
Diarrhea can be very irritating to the skin in the diaper area. Apply barrier ointments to your child's skin to reduce diaper rash. Use zinc-containing ointments. Clean your child's skin immediately after each bowel movement. Then, apply a very thick layer of protective ointment.
Do not give medication for diarrhea unless your child's health-care provider says to do so
There are no proven safe and effective prescription or over-the-counter medications for diarrhea caused by viruses. Some medication may cause side effects and some may be unsafe for children.
Do not give your child medication for diarrhea without talking to their health-care provider. Many parents ask about probiotics when their child has diarrhea. There has not been enough research that proves probiotics make children with viral gastroenteritis better faster.
When to see a health-care provider
Make an appointment with your child's regular health-care provider if:
- your child has been vomiting more than 48 hours
- your child is less than three months of age
- your child has mucus in the diarrhea
- your child has severe diarrhea (more than eight times per day) for more than two days
- your child has mild diarrhea for more than two weeks
Go to the nearest Emergency Department or call 911 if:
- your child is showing signs of dehydration and is not able to drink fluids
- your child has vomit that is green or bloody or diarrhea that is bloody
- your child has severe abdominal (belly) pain that is getting worse
- your child appears very sick
- your child has a fever and is less than three months of age
Your child may show physical changes when their condition is serious or when their condition gets worse. Parents and caregivers can learn how to spot these signs in order to seek help from a health-care provider.