Loose stools are described as bowel movements that are more runny than what a child typically passes.This is often called diarrhea and may affect a child with an infection of the digestive system, food sensitivity or food allergies. AskDrSears.com explains that foul odor and more frequent stools are common with diarrhea, especially when it is the result of an intestinal infection.
Infection
Loose stools caused by an infection are foul smelling, watery and green or brown. Symptoms can persist for several days or weeks. Some common infectious agents include rotavirus, E. Coli bacteria, salmonella and the parasite giardia. These infections are highly contagious and can spread through contact with fecal matter from an infected person. Bacteria that cause diarrhea are often found in undercooked animal products, such as poultry or eggs. Other symptoms that accompany loose stools with these intestinal infections include vomiting, abdominal pain, fever and even blood in the stool with bacterial infections.
Dietary Changes
A child may pass one or two loose bowel movements after eating a new food or eating too much of a food. This doesn't necessarily mean a child is allergic or sensitive to that food or ingredient. Sometimes eating too much fruit, drinking too much orange juice or eating too many greasy foods can increase the fluid in the child's stool. Lactose intolerance, which AskDrSears.com describes as the most common example of food intolerance, may cause loose stools as well. The University of Maryland Medical Center points out that a child can develop temporary loose stools when taking certain medications, such as antibiotics. In addition to loose stools, the child may develop gas pains, stomach cramps and nausea after consuming problem foods or ingredients.
Allergies
Food allergies can result in loose stools with blood or mucus in them. Common food allergies in children include dairy products, nuts or various fruits. In addition to diarrhea, a child may develop a rash anywhere on the body, a cough, trouble breathing or even a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis. When anaphylaxis occurs, the child's airways close off and the child is at risk of suffocating. When this reaction occurs, the child may turn blue or lose consciousness. Anaphylaxis is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment.
Bowel Disorders
Various bowel disorders can appear in childhood and lead to frequent loose stools, among other symptoms. Irritable bowel syndrome is just one of the many intestinal disorders that can cause abdominal pain, gassiness, bloating and changes in bowel habits. The true cause of IBS has not been identified, but emotional conflict or stress may aggravate the symptoms. IBS can be hard to predict. A child may have constipation at one moment and develop diarrhea with pain several hours later. Eating one food may cause diarrhea but the next time the same food is consumed, it may have no negative effect. Other bowel disorders are less commonly diagnosed in childhood but can include inflammatory bowel diseases that are the result of chronic intestinal inflammation.
