Diarrhea is a common condition in babies. The presence of mucus in the stool is indicative of diarrhea. According to Seattle Children's Hospital, diarrhea may be defined as runny stools or stools that contain blood or mucus. Most cases of diarrhea are due to infections, usually viral. While episodes of diarrhea are normal from time to time, they can occasionally be associated with serious complications. Although diarrhea is a more important disease in developing countries, it is still a problem in the United States. According to "Nelson's Textbook of Pediatrics," childhood diarrhea is responsible for 200,000 hospital inpatient stays and 300 deaths every year.
Stool Stains in Diapers
Examining the stool stains in diapers can be a useful way to study a baby's health. The first stool produced by a baby is greenish black in color and thick in consistency. This is known as meconium and is completely normal. Breastfed babies have a stool that is yellow and seedy; it may resemble yellow curdled milk. Formula-fed babies produce a stool that is tan in color and thick in consistency. In babies with diarrhea, the stool may be excessively watery and may even leak out of the diaper. Diarrheic stools may be greenish-brown in color, contain mucus and occur more than 10 times a day.
Infectious Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be caused by a number of viruses and bacteria. While most causes of diarrhea are mild and can be treated with extra hydration, children who display signs and symptoms of diarrhea should be taken to the emergency room for evaluation. It is important to recognize these signs and symptoms because, according to "Nelson's Textbook of Pediatrics," the most important cause of death in diarrheal disease is delayed treatment. A child without symptoms is considered to have mild to no dehydration. Children who have some dehydration are irritable and thirsty. Their eyes may appear to be going inside their skull. When their skin is pinched, it returns back to its original location sluggishly. Children with severe dehydration are confused, unable to drink and may even be unconscious.
Bloody Diarrhea
In an infant with stomach pain, an episode of bloody stool that resembles jelly may be due to a severe intestinal condition known as intussusception. In this condition, part of the intestine goes inside another part, which can constrict its blood supply. This condition requires emergency treatment.
A bloody diarrhea can be a serious sign of an intestinal infection by invasive bacteria. Such bacteria include Shigella, Campylobacter and Yersinia. These pathogens can invade the intestine and cause serious disease. Affected babies often experience abdominal pain and fever. As with intussusception, these babies should be taken to the emergency room for treatment.
Persistent Diarrhea
Diarrhea that continues for two weeks is classified as persistent diarrhea. These children may also show the signs of dehydration. They may also experience loss of weight. Children with persistent dehydration should be investigated for the cause of diarrhea. Some of these children may have conditions such as food allergies, lactose intolerance or celiac disease. In addition to providing fluids, children may need nutritional supplementation and extra trace minerals, such as zinc and iron.
References
- Similac: Diaper Decoder
- AskDr.Sears.com: Blood in Stool
- Children's Physician Network: Diarrhea; B.D. Schmitt, M.D.; 2/6/2010
- "Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics"; Robert M. Kliegman, M.D., et al.; 2008
- AskDr.Sears.com: Diarrhea
