Diarrhea is a condition in which bowel movements are loose, frequent or both. Diarrhea in toddlers is not uncommon, and a child who is normally potty-trained may be unable to control his bowels when suffering from the condition. Many cases of diarrhea resolve without treatment, although medication or a change in diet is sometimes required. Diarrhea that is so severe that the child becomes dehydrated requires evaluation by a physician.
Viruses
Many cases of toddler diarrhea may be attributable to a virus, explains BabyCenter, LLC. Rotovirus, coxsackie virus, adenovirus and other viruses can cause viral gastroenteritits, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract that causes diarrhea, along with vomiting and abdominal cramping. Influenza can also cause diarrhea in a toddler.
Bacteria
Bacteria are often responsible for toddler diarrhea. Food poisoning is one culprit, while contaminated water may also lead to the condition. Children may become infected from contact with their own feces or the feces of another child, especially in a daycare setting. Typically offending bacteria include E. coli, campylobacter, shigella, salmonella enteritidis and staphyloccus. Diarrhea caused by bacteria is often accompanied by abdominal cramping.
Toddler's Diarrhea
The Riley Hospital for Children explains that a condition called "toddler's diarrhea" can occur in children who seem healthy other than the diarrhea. It is characterized by up to ten large stools per day. These stools are liquid and may contain visible food particles. Often, this type of diarrhea is episodic, with weeks of normal bowel movements interspersed with weeks of diarrhea. Toddler's diarrhea has many potential causes, including a diet low in fat, large amounts of fruit juice in a child who cannot tolerate it and excessive fluid intake. Sometimes, the cause is thought to be immaturity in the nerves that serve the intestinal tract. This immaturity is believed to cause food to move too quickly through the intestines, not allowing enough time for proper absorption of nutrients.
Parasites
Parasitic infections may also lead to diarrhea in toddlers. These cases are often caused by drinking, touching or swimming in contaminated water, explains the Nemours Foundation. Occasionally, worms invade the intestinal tract and cause diarrhea. Parasitic infections can cause nausea, bloating and cramping as well.
Antibiotics
Antibiotic use is often to blame for a toddler's diarrhea. This side effect occurs when antibiotics destroy healthy bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract, and it may not become apparent until after the course of antibiotics is complete.
