Causes

Many factors can contribute to the development of diarrhea. These include:

• Introduction of a new food or formula
• Exposure to illness
• Changes in routine, such as travel
• Teething
• Change in water
• Medications, especially antibiotics

Self-Care

Just as in adults, the major concern for children with diarrhea is dehydration. Because of their smaller body size, children can become dehydrated more rapidly than adults. Be alert to the following signs of dehydration in children:

• No urination (more than 8 hours without urinating or a wet diaper for children younger than 1 year old; more than 12 hours without urinating for children 1 year and older)
• Dry mouth
• Absence of tears
• Dizziness or disorientation
• Dry skin that does not spring back after being touched
• Dark circles around eyes
• Fever of 100.4°F or more

Make sure children drink a lot of fluids. Infants may have breast milk or formula. Electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte and Infalyte can be used. They should not be used for more than 24 hours. Older children can have water; Popsicles; or clear, carbonated beverages that have gone flat. Avoid fruit juices. Give small amounts of fluids every half hour or so.

If the child doesn’t have an appetite, do not encourage solid foods. When his or her appetite returns, offer small amounts of easily digested foods, such as:

• Rice, noodles, bread, or crackers
• Cooked carrots, peas, squash, or green beans
• Canned peaches, pears, or applesauce
• Lean meats such as turkey or chicken

Do not give products that contain aspirin or salicylates, such as Pepto-Bismol, to children or teenagers because they increase the risk of developing Reye’s syndrome, a serious condition in children.

Diarrhea can be very hard on the tender skin of young children, especially those still in diapers. To protect the skin, change diapers soon after each stool. Wash your child’s bottom with plain water, or sit the child in a tub with a few inches of warm water. (If you choose to use soap, use a mild one in small amounts and rinse it off well.) For cleanup, use a soft washcloth and water or a commercial diaper wipe that has been rinsed out well with water. Dry the area completely by patting it with a soft cloth or towel. Apply a generous amount of diaper ointment to protect the skin. Because cloth diapers are more gentle on the skin than disposables, consider switching to cloth diapers or lining disposable diapers with cloth ones during prolonged bouts with diarrhea.