Diarrhea
DIARRHEA is the sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of bowel movements. Diarrhea is usually caused by a viral infection of the intestines (viral gastroenteritis). Diarrhea can also be due to excessive fruit juice or to a food allergy. Diarrhea may last from several days to a week, regardless of treatment. The main goal of therapy is to prevent dehydration. (Barton d. Schmitt, MD, 1999)
TREATMENT FOR DIARRHEA:
- A lactose free diet is helpful. No dairy (milk) products except yogurt!
- For babies, ISOMIL, PROSOBEE, or diluted formula with Pedialyte or water
- Lactose free milk or soymilk is fine for children over 1 year
- Yogurt is helpful (indicated for children older than 6 months)
- White grape juice is the only juice that will definitely not irritate the bowels
- Give your child starchy foods to help firm the stools (pasta, rice, cereal, crackers, toast, pretzels, bananas, white potatoes)
CALL IF ….
- Bloody stools
- Severe abdominal pain
- Fever is present for longer than 3 days
- Any signs of dehydration which include: lethargy, no urination for 12 hours, no tears, dry mouth, and sunken eyes
- The diarrhea does not slow down after 5 to 7 days
Related Links
- Abdominal Pain
- Accident Prevention and Childproofing Your Home
- ADHD
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Asthma
- Bite: Animal or Human
- Blocked Tear Ducts
- Breath Holding Spells
- Bronchiollitis
- Chicken Pox
- Choking
- Colic
- Constipation
- Contact Dermatitis
- Cough
- Croup
- Dental Care and Flouride
- Diaper Rashes
- Diarrhea
- Diet
- Ear Infection
- Fever
- Fifth Disease
- Frostbite
- Headache
- Healthy Living
- Impetigo and Skin Infections
- Insect Bites
- Nosebleeds
- Ringworm
- Sunburn
- Swimmers Ear
- Teething
- Thrush
- Upper Respiratory Infections
- Vomiting