Diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses in children and a common reason for doctor visits. If diarrhea lasts for less than one week it is considered acute (longer term diarrhea is considered chronic)
What is acute diarrhea ?Diarrhea, an increase in the number of stools per day and/or an increase in their looseness, is a common problem that generally lasts only a few days. Diarrhea that has lasted for less than one week is considered to be “acute”.
Acute diarrhea is one of the most common illnesses in children and a common reason for doctor visits. Often it can occur in several members of a family or a classroom at the same time. The average child under 3 years of age will have 1 to 3 episodes of diarrhea every year, and acute diarrhea accounts for almost 10% of all childhood hospital admissions. Although diarrhea occurs year round, it is more common during the winter months.
What causes acute diarrhea ?The most common causes of acute diarrhea are :
How is diarrhea treated ?Acute diarrhea stops when the body clears the provoking infection or toxin. Most viruses and bacteria do not require treatment with antibiotics. If the diarrhea persists for longer than one or two weeks, stool and blood tests will help determine the most likely cause of the problem and guide treatment. Patients with acute diarrhea should continue to eat their regular diet, unless the diarrhea is severe or accompanied by vomiting. Sometimes, restriction of milk and dairy products might be helpful, but is not necessary. Excessive fluid loss can result in dehydration which can be avoided by making sure the child is drinking enough fluids to maintain normal urine output. Infants under 3 months of age and those who are vomiting are at the highest risk for dehydration. High fever increases the body fluid losses and should therefore be controlled. A decrease in the number of wet diapers, lack of tears when crying, and excessive sleepiness are all signs of dehydration and require medical attention. When the diarrhea is severe or there is vomiting, replacement fluid mineral drinks are recommended. If the child cannot keep enough fluid in, hospitalization is recommended to prevent serious dehydration and to allow “bowel rest” while the infection runs its course.
Chronic Diarrhea
Diarrhea is an increase in the frequency and looseness of stools. If diarrhea persists for more than 4 weeks, it is considered chronic.
What is chronic diarrhea ?Diarrhea is an increase in the number of stools per day and/ormore loose or liquid stools. When diarrhea lasts for more than four weeks, it is called “chronic”.
What causes chronic diarrhea ?There are many causes of chronic diarrhea. Some exist in healthy people, but others are diseases that need long term medical care. These are some of the causes :
How does the doctor determine the cause of diarrhea ?Your description of the problem combined with your patient’s age provides the doctor with important information. The doctor may ask you some of these questions :
Some tests that might be ordered include stool studies to look for infection, blood tests, and endoscopy. Some conditions require only a change in diet, and others require medication. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment.
Diarrhea in ToddlersDiarrhea in toddlers is also known as chronic non-specific diarrhea. Children with chronic diarrhea will have 3 – 10 loose stools per day, typically during the day and sometimes immediately after eating.
What is Toddler’s Diarrhea ?Toddler’s diarrhea is also known as chronic nonspecific diarrhea of childhood, and it affects children from 6 months to 5 years of age. Children with toddler’s diarrhea will have 3-10 loose stools per day. These stools typically occur during the day when the child is awake and sometimes immediately after eating. The stool is frequently watery or loose and may have food particles in it although the stools should not contain blood. The child may have days when stools are more formed. Despite the diarrhea, the child continues to grow and gain weight appropriately as long as the diet contains enough calories. The child is active and has a normal appetite. Abdominal pain is atypical and could suggest other causes such as infection. Toddler’s diarrhea is not considered a disease, and children with this condition will get better on their own by school age.
What Causes Toddler’s Diarrhea ?The cause isn’t exactly known but intestinal contents probably move more quickly through the colon of children with toddler’s diarrhea which decreases the amount of fluid that can be absorbed. Also, some toddlers drink excessive amounts of sweetened beverages, such as juice or sports drinks, which are likely to cause loose stools. Sweeteners such as sorbitol or high-fructose corn syrup can act as laxatives if enough is consumed.
What else can cause this diarrhea ?After discussion of the symptoms and a physical exam, your doctor may consider tests to evaluate for other possible causes. Some diseases your doctor may consider :