According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, or NDDIC, a child in the United States will have seven to 15 episodes of diarrhea by age 5. Diarrhea often goes away without treatment and a potential cause is not found. If diarrhea persists or recurs frequently, however, an evaluation for potential causes should be pursued. For some children, milk intolerance or allergy is a cause of persistent diarrhea.
Background
Diarrhea is loose, watery stools that typically occur more than three times per day. Acute diarrhea, or diarrhea that lasts for two days or less, is extremely common and typically remits without treatment. Bacterial or viral infections or a reaction to a new medication are the most likely causes of acute diarrhea. Chronic diarrhea may be a sign of other problems, such as an intestinal disease or a food intolerance or allergy. Diarrhea related to milk is not usually associated with a fever and will typically last for as long as the milk exposure continues.
Lactose Intolerance
If your child develops bloating, stomach cramps and diarrhea after ingesting dairy products such as milk, ice cream, yogurt and cheese, lactose intolerance may be the culprit. Some people lack the enzyme lactase and are unable to digest lactose. The lactose then remains in the digestive tract, causing symptoms 30 minutes to two hours after ingestion of dairy products. You can offer your child lactose-free dairy products and observe to see if removing lactose from her diet reduces the frequency of diarrhea.
Milk Allergy
Milk allergy can also present with diarrhea and has many of the same symptoms as lactose intolerance. In milk allergy, your child has developed an allergy to the specific protein in milk and lactose-free products will still cause symptoms of diarrhea. Other common symptoms of milk allergy include skin rash, hives, wheezing, vomiting and shortness of breath. Unlike lactose intolerance, milk allergy can be life-threatening and your child should see a physician for further recommendations if an allergy is suspected. In infants, bloody diarrhea and difficulty gaining weight may be the only indication of a milk allergy.
Treatment
Even in diarrhea that is caused by a bacteria or virus, milk products can worsen the symptoms and should be avoided. If you suspect that milk is the cause of your child's diarrhea, a trial of lactose-free dairy products or milk avoidance may resolve the issue quickly. In the meantime, bland foods, such as cooked carrots, baked chicken, crackers, bananas and toast, are often well tolerated. Greasy or very sweet foods should be avoided until the diarrhea has resolved and fluids should be encouraged.
Considerations
Infants and small children can become dehydrated as a result of diarrhea and in some cases this can be a life-threatening complication. According to the NDDIC, warning signs of dehydration in children include a dry mouth or tongue, lack of tears when crying, lack of wet diapers for three hours or more, sunken skin and skin that does not flatten when pinched. If your child exhibits any of these signs, prompt medical attention is needed so that fluid can be given to rehydrate your child.
