Diarrhea

Diarrhea is very soft or watery BMs (bowel movements) that often accompany colds, the flu or viruses. Children will often have more BM's daily than usual, they may be watery. Your child may have a fever, cramping pain in the stomach and the diarrhea may make the bottom red and sore.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING EXISTS:

You see blood in the diarrhea, not just streaks or small spots of blood.
Your child has stomach pain for more than two hours.
Any sign of dehydration:
- Your child will not drink liquids
- Little or no urine (pee) in 6 - 8 hours
- Mouth feels dry and sticky
- Child cries but there are no tears present
- Child looks and acts sick, even with no fever
Fast or heavy breathing, especially if there is no fever
For any age, one diarrhea stool an hour for 12 hours or:
- Children less than one year : one diarrhea stool an hour for 2 or 3 hours or more than 10 diarrhea stools in 24 hours.
- Toddlers one to two years old : More than 15 diarrhea stools in 24 hours
- Children over two years old : More than 20 diarrhea stools in 24 hours.

CALL YOUR CHILD'S PRIMARY CARE DOCTOR'S OFFICE FOR AN APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING DAY IF ANY ONE OF THE FOLLOWING EXISTS:

There are only a few streaks or small spots of blood in the diarrhea
There is mucus or pus in the diarrhea stool
Your child has a fever for more than three days
Your child who has been toilet trained and loses control of their bowels
Your child is taking a medication that seems to be causing diarrhea
Mother is breastfeeding and taking medication that seems to give the baby diarrhea
If your child is vomiting with the diarrhea, look at the vomiting advice to see if it recommends having the child seen by the primary care doctor. Vomiting with diarrhea makes a child more likely to become dehydrated.
Your child's diarrhea keeps coming back or diarrhea continues for more than 7 days
Any other symptoms with the diarrhea that are affecting your child, such as severe diaper rash.
ADVICE

DO NOT USE OVER THE COUNTER MEDICATIONS SUCH AS IMMODIUM OR KAOPECTATE IF YOUR CHILD IS LESS THAN 12 YEARS OLD.

Diarrhea is usually caused by a viral infection of the intestines. There is no specific treatment or "magic medicine" for a virus. The diarrhea usually lasts for several days or up to a week. The most important treatment is to prevent dehydration by allowing the child to take liquids by mouth as often as possible.
- If you are breastfeeding, you should continue.
- If a baby is on formula, give Pedialyte for 6 to 12 hours and return to formula. If diarrhea continues, switch to Isomil DF (a soy formula) for 48 hours (2 days). Once the diarrhea begins to improve, child can return to regular formula.
The BRAT diet is recommended for children who take solid foods. Offer bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast until stools begin to return to normal then slowly begin to return child to their regular diet. May also give yogurt or mashed potatoes.
Older children and adults can try bland foods and gradually advance to their normal diet as the diarrhea begins to improve.
Diarrhea can actually burn a child's skin. To prevent sore diaper area from diarrhea, change diapers right after each BM. Do not use baby wipes as they may irritate the sore skin. Clean skin with mild soap and water (or a tub bath), pat dry. Apply Desitin or any white (zinc oxide based) diaper ointment in a thick layer to protect skin from the burning effects of the diarrhea. Patting unflavored Maalox or Mylanta liquid on the skin then allowing it to dry before applying the Desitin can also help soothe sore skin. Older children may need help cleaning their bottoms to prevent sore skin. Tub baths can be soothing.

CALL BACK IF