A short bout of diarrhea is well tolerated by otherwise healthy teens and adults, but for infants and young children who can dehydrate rapidly, this health condition must be addressed quickly. According to the National Institutes of Health, in the US, the average child has 7 to 15 episodes of diarrhea between birth and age five. The causes range from bacterial, viral and parasitic infections to food intolerances, inflammatory diseases and structural problems of the intestines. Treating diarrhea in children requires three steps: preventing dehydration, giving foods that calm intestinal activity and assessing the severity of the child's condition.
Step 1
Rehydrate the child. It is not diarrhea itself that can rapidly become dangerous for a child--it's the loss of fluid and vital electrolytes. Continue to nurse your baby if he is breastfeeding or feed him his regular formula in smaller but more frequent feedings. For all other children give oral rehydration formulas such as Pedialyte or Gastrolyte at a rate of a teaspoon every 2 to 3 minutes for infants, 1/2 cup (120 ml) after every diarrhea stool for children under 22 pounds and 1 cup (240ml) after every episode for larger kids, which is in accordance with CDC recommendations.
Step 2
Feed your child normally. In the past, restrictive diets such as the BRAT regimen of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast were recommended to give the intestines a period of rest. But research, such as the studies summarized by Debra Duro.M.D. in the July 2007 issue of "Practical Gastroenterology," has determined that re-feeding with a normal variety of foods familiar to the child better restores normal bowel function. If the child eats a healthy diet of lean meat, vegetables, whole fruits, whole grains and healthy, omega-3 rich monosaturated fats, he should return to this eating plan. Gradually increase portions according to his appetite.
Step 3
Serve foods known to promote healing of inflammation to help heal your child's irritated intestine. These foods include blue berries, strawberries, cherries, tuna, salmon, avocado and whole grains. At the same time use this opportunity to remove inflammatory foods including sugar, pasta, white flour and saturated fat from your child's meals.
Step 4
Seek medical treatment when needed. The Texas Children's Hospital recommends infants under 12 weeks of age be seen immediately when diarrhea is accompanied by a fever of over 100.4 F and all children should be evaluated if they have diarrhea along with vomiting, listlessness, lethargy or sunken eyes. Emergency treatment is needed if bloody stools are noted or if your child experiences seizures, a decreased level of consciousness, a lack of urine, or an inability to drink.
Things You'll Need
- Oral rehydration solution such as Pediatlyte or Gastrolyte
- Rice
- Canned, pureed pumpkin
- Teaspoon or eye dropper for infants
- Cup for older children
