There are several reasons why diarrhea may occur. It may be due to infections, medications or treatments. The degree to which dietary changes help will depend upon the cause and severity of the problem. Show
Helpful Hints for Controlling Diarrhea
UCSF Health medical specialists have reviewed this information. It is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your doctor or other health care provider. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have with your provider. Recommended reading
Anal Fissures Anal fissures are cracks or tears in the skin around the anus, causing burning and sharp pain when you have a bowel movement. Find treatment options here.
Fiber and Lactose Fiber and lactose are two common food substances that can cause problems with diarrhea. Learn more about fiber and lactose in your diet here.
Lactose Intolerance Intolerance to lactose is caused by a lack of lactase, an enzyme that breaks down lactose for digestion. Learn more about lactose intolerance here. Related clinics
Nutrition Counseling Clinic at the Family Medicine Center at Lakeshore 1569 Sloat Blvd., Suite 333 (415) 353-2291 Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m. - 4:45 p.m.
Nutrition Counseling Clinic at Parnassus 400 Parnassus Avenue,, Second Floor (415) 353-2291 M-F, 8 a.m. - 4:45 p.m. Diarrhea is a very common problem in babies and children. It is usually mild and brief. “Acute” diarrhea lasts less than 1 week, and no longer than 14 days. A child has diarrhea if they have more bowel movements than usual, and if stools are less formed and more watery. Sometimes children with diarrhea have other symptoms,
such as fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pains, cramps, and blood and/or mucus in the bowel movement. Diarrhea can be dangerous if not managed properly because it drains water and salts from your child’s body. If these fluids are not replaced quickly, your child can become dehydrated and may need to be hospitalized. Diarrhea germs spread easily from person to person, and especially from child to child. They usually spread quickly
among children who have not learned to use the toilet. There are many different causes of diarrhea. The most common are viral infections. Proper handwashing and safe food handling are the best ways to prevent the spread of germs that cause diarrhea. Children with diarrhea need to keep drinking the right amount of fluids to avoid dehydration. Dehydration is caused by a loss of body fluids, which are made up of water and salts. When children have diarrhea, they can lose large amounts of salts and
water from their bodies can become dehydrated very quickly. Children can get dehydrated even more quickly if they are vomiting. Dehydration can be very dangerous, especially for babies and toddlers. Call your child’s doctor or seek medical advice at a local clinic or hospital if you see signs of dehydration, including:
Healthy children can spit up, vomit or have a loose stool once in a while without being in danger of becoming dehydrated. What is an oral rehydration solution?An oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a mixture of water, salts and sugar in specific amounts. These solutions can be absorbed even when your child has large amounts of diarrhea or is vomiting. Oral rehydration solutions can be used to:
Oral rehydration solutions are available at pharmacies in ready-to-serve preparations. It is best to buy an ORS that has already been mixed. For the first 4 hours of oral rehydration (for mild dehydration)
If your child refuses to take the ORS by the cup or bottle, give the solution using a medicine dropper, a syringe, a small teaspoon or frozen pops. If your child vomits, stop foods and other fluids, but continue to give the ORS using a spoon.
After 4 hours until 24 hours: Recovery stage
What should I avoid giving to my child?
Talk to your doctor before giving any over-the-counter medications to stop diarrhea. When should I call the doctor?Call your doctor or seek medical advice if your child:
Diarrhea lasting for more than 1 to 2 weeks is not considered acute diarrhea. Talk to your child’s doctor if this is the case. Reviewed by the following CPS committees
What instruction will the nurse give to parents about preventing the spread and reinfection of pinworms?Wash your hands well and often. Cut your fingernails short, and keep them trimmed. This can prevent eggs from sticking under your nails. Wash all clothes, towels, and bedding.
Which signs or symptoms suggest that an infant with diarrhea is dehydrated select all that apply?Mild to Moderate Dehydration:
Parched, dry mouth. Fewer tears when crying. Sunken soft spot of the head in an infant or toddler. Stools will be loose if dehydration is caused by diarrhea; if dehydration is due to other fluid loss (vomiting, lack of fluid intake), there will be decreased bowel movements.
Which action is the primary concern in the treatment plan for a child with persistent vomiting?During the vomiting illness the primary concern is keeping your child from becoming dehydrated.
What would the nurse expect to find in a child admitted to the hospital for failure to thrive?Infants or children who fail to thrive have a height, weight and head circumference that do not match standard growth charts. The person's weight falls lower than the third percentile (as outlined in standard growth charts) or 20 percent below the ideal weight for their height.
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