• Signs and symptoms
• Home care
• When to call your doctor

Signs and symptoms

• Sudden increase in frequency and looseness of bowel movements

The best indicator for diarrhea is the frequency of bowel movements. Diarrhea is usually caused by a viral infection of the intestines (gastroenteritis). Occasionally bacteria or parasites cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can also be caused by excessive fruit juice intake or to a food allergy. Diarrhea usually lasts several days to a week, regardless of the treatment. Generally no medications are required to treat diarrhea.

The main complication of diarrhea is dehydration from excessive loss of body fluids or low blood sodium due to loss of sodium in the frequent bowel movements.

Symptoms of dehydration include:

• Dry mouth


• Absence of tears


• Reduction in urine production


• Darker concentrated urine


• Lethargy


• Lightheadedness/dizziness

It is DEHYDRATION that is our main concern, much more so than the presence of DIARRHEA.
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Home care

The main goal of treatment is to prevent dehydration by giving enough of the proper oral fluids to keep up with fluid and sodium losses in the frequent bowel movements.

For Infants Less Than 1 Year

Breast milk or an oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte) is ideal. If you infant is formula fed, you can dilute the prepared formula with Pedialyte and gradually resume full strength formula as the diarrhea subsides. If your infant is on solids, you may offer bananas, rice, mashed potatoes and other high fiber foods. Offer small quantities initially and gradually increase amount.

For Children Older Than 1 Year

An oral electrolyte solution (such as Pedialyte) or plain water can be used for fluids. Avoid milk and fruit juices. Increase the intake of starchy foods including breads, crackers, rice, mashed potatoes, plain noodles and bananas. Gradually resume normal diet as the frequency of loose bowel movements decreases.
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When to call your doctor

Immediately call for advice if:

• There are signs/symptoms of dehydration (dry mouth, absence of tears, darker concentrated urine, lethargy, dizziness)


• Child has not urinated in more than 8 hours


• Any blood appears in the diarrhea


• Severe abdominal cramps occur


• Diarrhea is watery AND your child vomits clear fluids THREE or more times


• Your child starts acting very sick

Call during regular office hours (Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.) if:

• Diarrhea lasts more than one week


• The diarrhea does not improve after 48 hours with diet changes


• Persistent fever over 100.5 degrees

Please remember that this advice is for educational purposes and should only be used as a guide.
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