Diarrhea

When your child has diarrhea, it means they're passing loose, watery stools more frequently than usual, often more than 8-10 times a day. It's a common issue that usually lasts 1-2 days and resolves on its own.

Diarrhea can be caused by various factors like bacterial or viral infections, food intolerance, allergies, or reactions to medications. Sometimes, it might be due to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease.

For infants, if you’re breastfeeding, continue to do so with frequent, small feeds. If your baby is formula-fed, offer oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte to replace lost fluids until they’ve been vomit-free for at least 6 hours. Such solutions are ideal because they contain the right balance of water, sugar, and salts. You can resume the formula later, but choose a soy-based or lactose-free option like Similac Sensitive to avoid upsetting your stomach further.

For older children, start with clear fluids, such as Pedialyte or Gatorade. They might find the powdered versions mixed with water more palatable. Avoid sports drinks, juice, soda, and plain water for hydration, as they might worsen diarrhea or aren't balanced correctly for children.

Once the fluids are well-tolerated, you can introduce a modified BRAT diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. You can also add pasta, crackers, or lean proteins like chicken broth. After 24 hours, you can gradually return to a regular diet, but try to limit milk and dairy products for about one to two weeks, though yogurt is beneficial and can be included.

If you’re traveling, be cautious with food and water sources. Call us immediately if you see a large amount of blood in the stool or if there’s vomiting along with dehydration signs like no urination for 8 hours or having a dry, sticky mouth. Also, if your child seems very ill, don’t hesitate to reach out.

Please contact us during regular office hours if diarrhea lasts more than 3 days with frequent stools, fever is 101°F or higher for over three days, or if you see streaks of blood in the stool.

Addressing these issues promptly ensures your child gets the appropriate care and stays comfortable.