Stomach flu is the most common cause of pediatric diarrhea. This type of flu is also called viral gastroenteritis. Typically, the virus causes stomach upset, vomiting and diarrhea, which generally resolves in a few days. If your child continues to have diarrhea after the flu, several culprits may be contributing. However, seek your pediatrician's advice if your child becomes dehydrated as a result of continued diarrhea.
Treatment
If your child has the flu, give your child only fluids for the first six hours of the illness and add a soft diet as he recovers. Severe dehydration can set in quickly, so rehydration is critical. If you are nursing, continue to breast-feed to keep your infant hydrated. If your baby is formula-fed, water down the formula for three feedings and then proceed with a normal mix of water and formula. For older children, use watered-down juice or rehydration products that contain electrolytes to restore fluids quickly. Do not give your child antidiarrheal medications unless your doctor specifically suggests it. Even for prolonged cases of diarrhea, the medication makes intestinal infections worse in some cases.
Use of Probiotics
Probiotics, the healthy bacteria that naturally inhabit your intestine and help you digest, may ease diarrhea after the flu. A 2006 meta-analysis published in the "Canadian Medical Association Journal" studying the use of probiotics for antibiotic-induced diarrhea in children states that probiotic use in managing diarrhea helps resolve the diarrhea more quickly. While preventive use isn't clearly indicated, healthy bacteria may be of benefit if your child continues to suffer from diarrhea after a bout of the flu. However, speak to your pediatrician before supplementing your diet with probiotics or any other supplement.
When to Call the Doctor
Children are at risk of severe hydration if diarrhea is prolonged. Symptoms of dehydration in children include crying with no tears, dry mouth, lack of wet diapers, lethargic behavior, no urine for 12 hours in an older child or a sunken fontanelle -- the soft spot at the top of the baby's head. If your child has blood in her bowel movement or severe stomach pain, contact your doctor immediately.
What to Avoid
While a soft diet with clear fluids combats fluid loss, some clear fluids are not appropriate. Soda, chicken broth, ginger ale or sports drinks don't contain the right combination of ingredients to rehydrate properly. In particular, plain water doesn't contain the necessary amounts of sodium and other minerals, so it isn't a good choice for rehydrating infants and young children.
