BROWARD COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT

 

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The Facts on Childhood Diarrhea

 

What is diarrhea?  Diarrhea is the passage of loose or watery stools that my contain blood, pus, or mucus.  Children with diarrhea often have additional symptoms including nausea, vomiting, stomachaches, headache, and fever.

 

Diarrhea can be acute (happens suddenly and for brief periods) or chronic (an ongoing and persistent medical problem such as intestinal worms).  Diarrhea can impact the ability of the body to process and absorb necessary water, salts and nutrition and can lead to dehydration, shock and even death.

 

Text Box: SIGNS OF DEHYDRATION Decrease in urination Sunken eyes No tears when child cries Extreme thirst Unusual drowsiness or fussiness Dry, sticky mouth What causes acute diarrhea?  Mild, acute diarrhea can be caused by a number of conditions, including a change in dietary habits, food allergies, and taking medicines such as antibiotics.  Serious, acute diarrhea can be caused by a variety of viruses, bacteria, and parasites, including rotavirus, E. coli, Salmonella, and certain respiratory infections.  Rotavirus is the most common cause of severe diarrhea in infants and young children in the United States.  Worldwide, it is a major cause of childhood deaths.

 

How do you treat diarrhea?  Dehydration is the biggest threat from diarrheal diseases in children.  Illnesses that cause diarrhea or vomiting can lead to dehydration if the child loses more body fluids and salts (electrolytes) than he/she takes in.  To prevent dehydration, the child may require special fluids such as CeraLyte, Pedialyte, or Oralyte.  These solutions can be purchased in nearly all drug stores and grocery stores.  Sports drinks do not replace the fluid losses correctly and should not be used.  Children who are breastfeeding, taking formula, or eating solids should continue to follow their usual diet.

 

When should a doctor be called?  Contact a health care provider if diarrhea is accompanied by the following:  High fever, blood in stools, prolonged vomiting, or dehydration.

 

How are diarrheal illnesses spread?  Children and adults can become infected by coming in direct contact with the feces of an infected child and then passing the infection to the mouth.  A child with diarrheal illness may be contagious before the onset of diarrhea and for a few days after the diarrhea has ended.  Germs that cause diarrhea can also be spread by contaminated food.

 

How do you prevent spreading diarrheal illnesses?  Careful and frequent hand washing can prevent the spread of infection to other people.  Adults should wash their hands after using the toilet, helping a child use the toilet, and diapering a child and before preparing, serving or eating food.  Children should wash their hands after using the toilet, after having their diapers changed, and before eating snacks or meals.  Disinfect toys, bathrooms, and food preparation surfaces frequently.  Use diapers with waterproof outer covers that can contain liquid stool or urine, or use plastic pants.  Make sure that children wear clothes over diapers.

 

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