Don't be surprised if your child gets diarrhea now and then. Diarrhea is a serious problem for small children, who can get very sick and even die because of the dehydration and loss of electrolytes diarrhea causes, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If your child's diarrhea is accompanied by bloody stools, vomiting, abdominal pain or fever, or if it persists for more than a few days, call a pediatrician.
Replacing Lost Fluids
Though it may seem counterintuitive to give your child more liquids when you know they'll be coming right back out, keeping your child hydrated is essential for successfully treating diarrhea. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's 1992 report on best practices for managing acute diarrhea in children recommends a two-part process called oral rehydration therapy, or ORT, in which hydration and electrolyte levels are first restored to normal levels and then maintained until the diarrhea has completely gone. Though you can use clear liquids to achieve this, the University of Maryland Medicine Children's Health Guide recommends using special fluids that contain electrolytes, such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. Don't give children with diarrhea milk, sports drinks or juice, which can make diarrhea worse, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Dietary Changes
For the most part, children should maintain their usual diets during breastfeeding, but they should minimize their intake of high-sugar and high-fat foods, counsels the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse suggests opting for soft, bland foods, such as plain rice or potatoes, bananas, toast, plain baked chicken or cooked carrots.
Medication
Be wary of using medications to treat your child's diarrhea without consulting your pediatrician, cautions the UMMC. Diarrhea is a way a child's body gets rid of toxins, so it's often best to let the condition run its course. If your child's diarrhea is persistent, your pediatrician may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection that's causing it. Rarely the pediatrician may recommend taking an over-the-counter antidiarrheal medication, but you shouldn't give your child one of these treatments without your pediatrician's consent.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Diarrhea
- National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse: Diarrhea
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: The Management of Acute Diarrhea in Children: Oral Rehydration, Maintenance, and Nutritional Therapy
- University of Maryland Medicine Children's Health: Diarrhea
