Key Takeaways

  • Diarrhea in children is common and usually caused by viral infections, food sensitivities, or dietary changes that resolve on their own within a few days.
  • Watch for warning signs, like blood in stool, high fever, severe abdominal pain, signs of dehydration, or diarrhea lasting more than a few days.
  • Keep your child hydrated with small, frequent sips of water or oral rehydration solutions, and avoid sugary drinks that can make diarrhea worse.
  • Most cases can be managed at home, but call your pediatrician if symptoms worsen or your child shows signs of dehydration, like decreased urination, dry mouth, or lethargy.
  • Capital Area Pediatrics provides expert pediatric care throughout Northern Virginia, offering same-day sick visits and convenient express scheduling to help your child feel better fast.

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Understanding Pediatric Diarrheashutterstock-2.jpeg

Diarrhea in kids means your child is having loose, watery bowel movements more frequently than normal. While it's one of the most common childhood illnesses, it can be stressful for parents to manage. The good news is that most cases are mild and clear up quickly with proper care at home.

Diarrhea happens when your child's digestive system moves food through too quickly, preventing the intestines from absorbing enough water. This results in loose or watery stools that can occur several times a day.

Common Causes of Diarrhea in Children

Viral Infections

The most common cause of diarrhea in children is a viral infection, often called a stomach bug or stomach flu. Rotavirus and norovirus are frequent culprits. These viruses spread easily in daycare centers, schools, and anywhere children gather. Along with diarrhea, your child might have vomiting, fever, and stomach cramps.

Bacterial Infections

Sometimes bacteria from contaminated food or water cause diarrhea symptoms. Salmonella, E. coli, and campylobacter are common bacterial causes. These infections may produce more severe symptoms than viral ones, including bloody stools and high fevers.

Parasitic Infections

Parasites (like giardia) can also cause diarrhea in children, often from contaminated water sources or exposure in daycare settings. Parasitic infections may cause prolonged diarrhea that doesn't improve without specific treatment.

Food Sensitivities

Some children develop diarrhea after eating certain foods. Lactose intolerance, where the body has trouble digesting dairy products, is a common trigger. Other food sensitivities can also cause loose stools. A food allergy, on the other hand, will rarely cause diarrhea.

Antibiotics and Medications

Antibiotics kill harmful bacteria but can also disrupt the helpful bacteria in your child's gut. This imbalance often leads to temporary diarrhea. If your child develops diarrhea while taking medication, don't stop the medicine without consulting your pediatrician.

Dietary Changes

Introducing new foods, eating too much fruit or fruit juice, or consuming artificial sweeteners can trigger diarrhea in children. Too much juice is a particularly common cause in toddlers.

Recognizing Diarrhea Symptoms in Kids

Beyond loose, watery stools, watch for these accompanying diarrhea symptoms:

  • Abdominal cramping or pain
  • Urgent need to use the bathroom
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach gurgling or bloating

The AAP symptom checker can help you assess your child's symptoms and determine the next steps.

When Diarrhea Is Dangerous: Red Flags to Watch For

Most diarrhea in children clears up on its own, but certain warning signs mean you should call your pediatrician right away or seek immediate medical care.

Signs of Dehydration

Dehydration is the most serious risk with diarrhea. Contact your doctor if you notice:

  • Decreased urination (no wet diaper for 3 hours in infants, or very dark urine in older children)
  • Dry mouth and tongue
  • No tears when crying
  • Sunken eyes or soft spot on an infant's head
  • Extreme fussiness or lethargy
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness in older children

Other Warning Signs

Call Capital Area Pediatrics if your child experiences:

  • Blood or mucus in the stool
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • High fever (over 102°F in children, or any fever in babies under 3 months)
  • Diarrhea lasting more than a week
  • Vomiting that prevents keeping fluids down
  • Signs of severe illness, like confusion or extreme weakness

Treating Diarrhea at Home

For mild cases of diarrhea in children, you can provide comfort and care at home.

Keep Your Child Hydrated

The most important treatment is preventing dehydration. Offer small amounts of fluid frequently throughout the day. Water is good, but oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte are better because they replace lost electrolytes. Avoid sugary drinks, sports drinks, and apple juice, as these can make diarrhea worse.

For breastfed babies, continue nursing on demand. For formula-fed infants, continue their regular formula unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.

Dietary Adjustments

Once your child can keep fluids down, slowly introduce bland, easy-to-digest foods. While the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) is often mentioned, your child doesn't need to stick to these foods exclusively. Small amounts of different foods are encouraged if your child can tolerate them, including:

  • Crackers
  • Chicken broth
  • Fruits 
  • Vegetables
  • Lean proteins, like turkey
  • Foods with healthy fats, like eggs and avocados

Avoid fatty, fried, or spicy foods until the diarrhea resolves. 

Rest and Comfort

Let your child rest as much as they need. Keep them home from school or daycare to recover and prevent spreading illness to others.

What Not to Do

Don't give over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications to children unless specifically directed by your pediatrician. These medications can be dangerous for young children, especially those under the age of 2.

How Capital Area Pediatrics Can Help

When your child's diarrhea symptoms require medical attention, Capital Area Pediatrics is here to help. Our experienced pediatric team can evaluate your child, determine the cause of their symptoms, and recommend the best treatment approach. We offer convenient sick visit scheduling, including same-day appointments when your child needs prompt care.

Our providers can assess for dehydration, order necessary tests if bacterial infection is suspected, and provide guidance on home care tailored to your child's specific situation.

Get Expert Care for Your Child's Digestive Health

While most diarrhea in children resolves quickly, knowing when to seek medical help gives you peace of mind and ensures your child gets the care they need. Trust your instincts—if you're worried about your child's symptoms, it's always okay to call.

If your child is experiencing concerning diarrhea symptoms or showing signs of dehydration, schedule a sick visit with Capital Area Pediatrics today. Our caring team is ready to help your child feel better fast.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does diarrhea typically last in children?

Most cases of viral diarrhea in kids last 3-7 days. If your child's diarrhea continues beyond a week or seems to be getting worse instead of better, contact your pediatrician for evaluation.

Can my child still eat solid food with diarrhea?

Yes, if your child is hungry and can keep food down, offer bland, easy-to-digest foods. Continuing to eat helps maintain nutrition and may actually help the intestines recover faster. Just avoid fatty, spicy, or sugary foods.

Should I keep my child home from school with diarrhea?

Yes, children with diarrhea should stay home from school or daycare. They can return once they haven't had diarrhea for at least 24 hours and are feeling well enough to participate in normal activities.

What's the best drink for a child with diarrhea?

Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte are best because they contain the right balance of water, salt, and sugar to replace what's lost. Water alone is okay, but it doesn't replace electrolytes. Avoid juice, soda, and sports drinks.

When should I worry about diarrhea in my toddler?

Worry if your toddler shows signs of dehydration (decreased urination, dry mouth, lethargy), has blood in the stool, runs a high fever, experiences severe pain, or if the diarrhea lasts more than a few days without improvement.

Can teething cause diarrhea in babies?

While many parents notice looser stools during teething, research shows that teething doesn't directly cause diarrhea. If your baby has significant diarrhea, it's likely due to another cause, like a virus.