Most parents worry about their child’s bowel movements. From a medical standpoint, diarrhea (i.e., increased number of bowel movements or very liquid stools) is not dangerous. Aside from its being unpleasant and mildly uncomfortable for your child, diarrhea is a serious medical concern only when it is associated with repeated vomiting (i.e., dehydration) or other related symptoms (e.g., blood in the stool).
If your child has diarrhea and is vomiting repeatedly, you should look for signs of dehydration that will require medical attention:
There are many ways to treat uncomplicated diarrhea. For the first 24 hours, you should encourage fluid intake rather than solids. Appropriate fluids include increased breast feeding and clear liquids, such as popsicles, flat sodas and Pedialyte®. Reintroduction of solids should begin as soon as an adequate fluid intake is established.
Medication is rarely needed to treat diarrhea.
If you have any questions, please call our advice nurse.
If your child has diarrhea and is vomiting repeatedly, you should look for signs of dehydration that will require medical attention:
- Dry eyes (no tears) when crying
- Dry mouth
- No urine output for 8-12 hours
There are many ways to treat uncomplicated diarrhea. For the first 24 hours, you should encourage fluid intake rather than solids. Appropriate fluids include increased breast feeding and clear liquids, such as popsicles, flat sodas and Pedialyte®. Reintroduction of solids should begin as soon as an adequate fluid intake is established.
Medication is rarely needed to treat diarrhea.
If you have any questions, please call our advice nurse.
