Diarrhea, as defined by eMedTV, is loose, watery stools that occur more than three times in one day. It is the most common health ailment seen in infants, children and adults, and the most common cause of this condition in children is the stomach flu. In addition to diarrhea, the stomach flu can also cause nausea and vomiting, although not every child will experience these symptoms.
The Stomach Flu
Medially known as viral gastroenteritis, the stomach flu is responsible for five to ten percent of all cases of diarrhea among children ages five and younger, according to Arthur Schoenstadt, M.D. of eMedTV. It is due to an infection known as a rotovirus, which typically causes outbreaks during the winter and early spring.
This type of virus is usually accompanied by a fever and vomiting and is responsible for approximately 55,000 to 70,000 cases in children under the age of five each year, according to Schoenstadt. KidsHealth explains that a vaccine is available and recommended for infants to help prevent the infection of this virus. It has been shown to be effective in 75 percent of cases.
In severe cases, one in 200,000 children die each year due to complications from this virus.
Food Intolerances
Some children develop diarrhea due an intolerance to certain foods or because of a food allergy. One of the most common causes of this is lactose intolerance, which is an inability to tolerate milk or milk products. It is one of the most common food allergies seen in children, which includes milk and dairy products, with the exception of yogurt.
Some juices may also be difficult for children to tolerate due to an ingredient known as sorbitol, a complex sugar that is hard for children to digest. Some of these juices include apple, cherry and pear juice.
Food Poisoning
Food poisoning occurs when the food your child eats becomes contaminated with a virus, parasite or bacteria, as explained by Keep Kids Healthy. This may also occur when contamination occurs due to toxins such as pesticides. Symptoms, such as diarrhea, usually begin shortly after your child has eaten the contaminated food. Other symptoms include vomiting, abdominal cramps, fever and nausea. While these symptoms generally go away on their own and are mild in most people experiencing them, it is important to realize that this condition can also lead to serious complications such as kidney failure, dehydration and death.
Underlying Medical Conditions
Diarrhea in children can be indication of a more serious medical condition, such as irritable bowel syndrome or celiac disease. Irritable bowel syndrome, according to Keep Kids Healthy, is a common disorder of the intestines that may cause cramps, gas and bloating in some, and frequent diarrhea with an urgent need to have a bowl movement in others. In some cases, people experience both sets of symptoms. To date, there is no cure, however for those who suffer from diarrhea due to this disorder, it helps to keep a journal of what your child eats as this sheds light on what foods spark the episodes of diarrhea. It may also help to eat smaller, frequent meals, as large meals tend to cause cramping and diarrhea.
Celiac disease is a disease of the intestinal system that damages the small intestine, making it difficult to absorb the nutrients in the food your child eats. If your child suffers from this disease, he is unable to tolerate gluten, a protein found in rye, wheat and possibly oats. When eaten, the small intestine is damaged further, causing the nutrients found in the foods eaten to be absorbed into the bloodstream rather than by the body. This results in malnourishment. Symptoms include recurring diarrhea and irritability. The only treatment for celiac disease is to follow a gluten-free diet.
