Diarrhea

Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the looseness and frequency of bowel movements. In most cases, diarrhea is caused by a virus. It can be mild (loose or mushy stools) to severe (constant watery stool). A green stool indicates very rapid passage of contents through the gastrointestinal tract. Diarrhea can last from several days to a week.

There is usually no need to stop diarrhea with medications. Children should be given such medication only under the direction of the physician. Diarrhea is often accompanied by vomiting. Diarrhea can be contagious. Make sure you wash your hands after changing diapers and that you and your child both wash hands after using the toilet.

The most frequent problem diarrhea causes is that your child may get dehydrated. In general, fluids should not be restricted when a child has diarrhea.

Signs of Dehydration

• dry mouth
• absence of tears
• decrease in urine (none in 8 hours)
• darker colored urine

Call our office if:

• any signs of dehydration
• less than one year old: more than 8 bowel movements in 8 hours
• diarrhea is watery and child vomits clear fluid 3 or more times
• fever lasts more than 3 days
• mild diarrhea for more than 7 days

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