As your toddler grows from infancy to childhood and becomes increasingly mobile, she begins to explore her world. Unfortunately, this exploration increases her contact with germs, which can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea isn't always something to worry about, but if your toddler has bloody diarrhea you should seek medical assistance right away because she may have contracted a more serious infection, such as salmonella or shigella.
Diarrhea
Your toddler may develop diarrhea from a variety of sources, and it isn't always something to worry about. Infants and toddlers produce up to 10 stools a day, according to Dr. William Sears of AskDrSears.com, and, during the course of the year, your child may have several bouts with diarrhea. Diarrhea is defined as an increase of one and a half to two times the normal frequency of stools, as well as loose, green or watery stools. Your child's stools should meet both of these criteria to be considered diarrhea.
Causes
Your toddler can develop diarrhea from eating something that disagrees with her or from a more serious cause, such as a bacterial infection or parasite. Bloody diarrhea typically is caused by bacteria, which may be related to food poisoning. Salmonella, shigella and E. coli all can be contracted by consuming contaminated foods or coming into contact with other environmental contaminants such as a contaminated surface or contaminated water.
Treatment
Bacterial infections that cause bloody diarrhea are treated with antibiotics. While your child is taking the antibiotics, feed her a diet of soft and bland foods such as skinless chicken, toast, bananas and yogurt. Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar, caffeine, spices or fat, as these might exacerbate her diarrhea. Make sure she stays hydrated by offering her rehydration solutions meant for children with diarrhea. You can find these solutions in most grocery stores and pharmacies.
When to Consult a Pediatrician
Blood in the stool always is a cause for concern and you should consult a physician, whether the stool is soft or not. If the stool is watery or loose and the child has a fever and is experiencing abdominal discomfort, these are red flags that indicate a serious bacterial infection. Seek medical assistance immediately as the types of bacteria that cause loose and bloody stool, such as salmonella, shigella or E. coli, can be life-threatening.
