Diarrhea

Practical tips for parents

• Continue breastfeeding, and give formula in the usual way unless the doctor recommends otherwise ^[11].
• Reintroduce suitable food when your child can tolerate it, according to the doctor’s guidance ^[11].
• The basis of treatment is replacing fluids with oral rehydration solution (ORS) prepared according to the package instructions while continuing feeding ^[19]. See the doctor immediately if there is blood in the stool, refusal to drink, passing little urine, or severe lethargy. The doctor may recommend zinc in some cases of infectious diarrhea ^[11].
• Keep hands and the environment clean to reduce the spread of infection ^[11].

Note: This content is for awareness and is not a substitute for consulting a pediatrician.

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined as passing loose or watery stools three or more times a day ^[19]. What matters is a change in your child’s habit: more often, and stools that are softer or more watery. The stools of an exclusively breastfed infant may be loose and frequent in the normal state, so it is a sudden change that calls for attention.

The real danger is dehydration

The most dangerous thing about diarrhea is fluid loss ^[19]. Watch for signs of dehydration:

• Severe thirst or restlessness.
• Dry mouth, and no tears when crying.
• Sunken eyes, and a sunken soft spot in an infant.
• Passing little urine, or dry diapers for many hours.
• Unusual lethargy or drowsiness.

The basis of treatment: oral rehydration solution (ORS)

• Prepare it exactly according to the package instructions, and don’t dilute it or add sugar or salt to it ^[19].
• Give it in small, frequent amounts (a teaspoon, or a dropper for an infant, every few minutes) instead of a large amount at once.
• If your child vomits, wait about 10 minutes and then offer it again slowly.
• Juices, soft drinks and sports drinks are no substitute for the solution.

Food during diarrhea

Don’t deprive your child of food. Continue breastfeeding or the usual milk and foods suitable for their age ^[19].

Zinc and medicines

• The doctor may recommend a zinc supplement for several days to shorten the diarrhea ^[19]; don’t give it without the doctor’s guidance.
• Don’t give an antibiotic or an anti-diarrhea medicine without a prescription; antibiotics don’t help in most cases of diarrhea, and are used under the doctor’s guidance in specific cases such as bloody diarrhea ^[19].

Prevention

• Wash hands with soap and water after the bathroom and diaper changes and before eating and preparing food ^[19].
• Safe drinking water, and hygienic preparation of infant formula.
• Breastfeeding during the first months ^[19].
• Discuss the rotavirus vaccine with your pediatrician according to your country’s vaccination schedule ^[19].

Frequently asked questions

What is the most important thing to know about diarrhea?

In children, diarrhea is linked in some cases to an intestinal infection, and preventing dehydration remains the focus of care.

What practical tips are there for parents about diarrhea?

Continue breastfeeding, and give formula in the usual way unless the doctor recommends otherwise. Reintroduce suitable food when your child can tolerate it, according to the doctor’s guidance. The basis of treatment is replacing fluids with oral rehydration solution (ORS) prepared according to the package instructions while continuing feeding ^[19]. See the doctor immediately if there is blood in the stool, refusal to drink, passing little urine, or severe lethargy. The doctor may recommend zinc in some cases of infectious diarrhea. Keep hands and the environment clean to reduce the spread of infection.

How long does diarrhea last?

Diarrhea from a viral infection usually clears within days. Diarrhea lasting more than two weeks needs assessment by the doctor.

Should I give my child juice or a sports drink?

No; they are no substitute for oral rehydration solution prepared according to the package instructions ^[19].

Should I stop milk or food?

No. Continue breastfeeding, the usual milk and foods suitable for the child’s age ^[19].

Does this article replace consulting a doctor?

This content is for awareness and does not replace consulting a pediatrician.