Loose stools are common in children. Staying hydrated is what matters most
Diarrhea is a leading reason children visit a pediatrician. A pediatric diarrhea consultation checks hydration, looks for the cause and tells you how to care for your child safely.
Is your child vomiting too? See the vomiting page for guidance on keeping fluids down.
See Vomiting Consultation →Most diarrhea in children is mild and clears by itself
Viral infections are the commonest cause, and they usually settle in several days. The real danger is dehydration, particularly in babies and small children. Keeping up fluids, and continuing feeding, is the heart of treatment.
What a diarrhea consultation covers
Understanding the cause and keeping your child hydrated.
Hydration
Thirst, dry mouth, tears, urine output and alertness show the state of hydration.
The stools
Frequency, consistency, blood or mucus, and how long it has lasted.
Other symptoms
Fever, vomiting, tummy pain, poor appetite.
Food and water
Recent foods, water source, and hygiene at home or school.
Examination
Tummy, general condition and signs of fluid loss.
Recovery plan
Fluids, feeding and when to return.
Get urgent help if a child with diarrhea
Don't wait for a routine appointment.
- Has blood in the stool
- Shows dehydration: dry mouth, no tears, very little urine, sunken eyes
- Is very drowsy, floppy or irritable
- Has a swollen or very painful tummy
- Vomits repeatedly and can't keep fluids down
- Has a high fever, or has had diarrhea for more than a few days
- Is a young baby with ongoing watery stools
- Has green vomit
The basics of treating diarrhea
Simple steps matter more than medicines.
Oral rehydration
A special rehydration solution replaces lost fluids and salts.
Keep feeding
Continue breastfeeding and normal foods as tolerated.
Supplements, if advised
Your doctor will say if anything extra is appropriate for your child.
Hygiene
Handwashing and clean water help stop the spread.
What your child's visit includes
A conversation about the illness
When it began, how often, what the stools look like, and what else has been going on.
A hydration check
How well your child has been coping with the fluid loss.
A careful examination
Tummy, general condition, and signs of other illness.
Tests, only when needed
Most cases need none. A stool test may be advised if there is blood or if it persists.
A care plan with warning signs
Which fluids, which foods, and when to come back.
What to bring
Helping the doctor see the full picture
Notes on the stools
How many a day, what they look like, any blood or mucus.
What your child has been drinking
And how often they pass urine.
What they have eaten recently
Including outside food and water source.
Any medicines given
Including home remedies.
Dr. K. Sushma
Dr. Sushma places hydration and feeding at the heart of every diarrhea visit, and teaches parents what to watch at home.
Questions parents often ask
Oral rehydration solution is usually best, along with breast milk or normal feeds. Your doctor will advise on other drinks.
No. Starving a child with diarrhea isn't helpful. Usually keep feeding with light, familiar foods.
Most diarrhea is viral and doesn't need them. They are used only for particular infections, when advised.
Wash hands with soap after changing nappies and before preparing food, use clean water, and keep your child home while unwell.
Diarrhea worrying you? Let's keep your child hydrated
Book a consultation with Dr. K. Sushma at our Pragathi Nagar clinic.
