Children can have acute and chronic forms of diarrhea. Causes include bacteria, viruses, parasites, medications, functional bowel disorders, and food sensitivities. Infection with the Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute childhood diarrhea. Rotavirus diarrhea usually resolves in 3 to 9 days. Children can be vaccinated against the virus with a vaccine called Rotarix. Rotarix is a liquid and given in a two-dose series to infants from 6 to 24 weeks of age.

If your child has diarrhea, do not hesitate to call the doctor for advice. Diarrhea is especially dangerous in newborns and infants, leading to dehydration in just a day or two. A child can die from dehydration within a few days. The main treatment for diarrhea in children is rehydration to replace lost fluid quickly.

Take your child to the doctor if there is no improvement after 24 hours or if any of the following symptoms appear:

• Stools containing blood or pus
• Black stools
• A temperature above 102 degrees
• Signs of dehydration

Medications to treat diarrhea in adults can be dangerous for children and should only be given with a doctor’s guidance.

When You Should Consult a Doctor

Diarrhea is not usually harmful, but it can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. You should see the doctor if you experience any of the following:

• Diarrhea for more than 3 days
• Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum
• A fever of 102 degrees or higher
• Blood in your stool or black, tarry stools
• Signs of dehydration

For More Information About Diarrhea

American Gastroenterological Association
National Office
4930 Del Ray Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Phone: 301-654-2055
Fax: 301-654-5920
Email: member@gastro.org
Internet: www.gastro.org

International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders
P.O. Box 170864
Milwaukee, WI 53217-8076
Phone: 1-888-964-2001 or 414-964-1799
Fax: 414-964-7176
Email: iffgd@iffgd.org
Internet: www.iffgd.org

National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse
2 Information Way
Bethesda, MD 20892-3570
Phone: 1-800-891-5389
Fax: 703-738-4929
Email: nddic@info.niddk.nih.gov
Internet: www.digestive.niddk.nih.gov

Source: digestive.niddk.nih.gov – March 2007