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Overview
Diarrhea is a universal problem, although many people have different definitions of this condition. The World Health Organization has defined diarrhea as a bowel movement that, if placed into a container, would take the shape of that container.
Diarrhea can be frequent or just periodic. It is important to recognize the typical frequency and character of your child’s stool before deciding if diarrhea is a problem. Diarrhea is often classified based on the duration of the problem:
- Acute diarrhea lasts for less than 14 days
- Persistent diarrhea lasts for 7 days to 2 months
- Chronic diarrhea lasts for more than 1 month
Causes of diarrhea in children
Diarrhea in children may be caused by a number of different problems.
Acute diarrhea – also called acute gastroenteritis – is most commonly caused by infections. Infections that cause gastroenteritis often start with vomiting and fever and then progress to diarrhea. Acute diarrhea typically lasts only a few days but can last as long as 14 days. Most infections are caused by viruses and get better without antibiotics.
Persistent diarrhea may be caused by certain types of infections, like clostridium difficile (C. diff) and parasites, those tiny, microscopic germs that are common in Georgia. A stool test your pediatrician can order before referring you to a specialist can identify these types of infections.
Chronic diarrhea may indicate other problems besides infections such as lactose intolerance, food allergies, celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, and Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
When to see your doctor
Contact your pediatrician if there are warning signs like:
- Blood in the stool – it may indicate a bacterial infection or colitis
- Persistent vomiting – especially if the vomiting includes blood or bile
- Weight loss
- High fever
- Severe abdominal pain
- Dehydration
If diarrhea is causing signs of dehydration – such as dry lips or mouth, excessive thirst, or decreased urination – it is important to rehydrate your child. Ask your pediatrician how to do this.
There are more than a dozen pediatric gastroenterologists at GI Care for Kids who specialize in the evaluation and treatment of diarrhea. These doctors are experts in the evaluation and treatment of diseases or disorders that can cause persistent or chronic diarrhea. Rarely are we needed to assist pediatricians who are treating cases of acute diarrhea.
At GI Care for Kids, we will review your child’s history, perform a physical examination, and decide if further testing or treatment is necessary. Tests may include stool studies (it may help to bring a fresh stool sample with you to the appointment if possible) and blood tests. Sometimes, a procedure called upper endoscopy or colonoscopy may be necessary.
More info about diarrhea in children
Helpful information about diarrhea can also be found here:
- Acute Diarrhea, via the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center website
- Diarrhea, via the International Foundation for Gastrointestinal Disorders website
- Diarrheal Disease, via the World Health Organization website
- Nutrition4kids.com, a resource for parents who want to feed their kids well, regardless of medical challenges or allergies. Subscribe for updates personalized for you and your child.