Diarrhea refers to an increase in the frequency of bowel movements along with a decrease in their consistency. In children, this is considered the second most common reason parents bring their child to the emergency room, and its severity is such that, worldwide, it’s considered the fifth leading cause of death in children, notes Dr. Karina Maya Bautista, pediatric emergency medicine specialist at ABC Medical Center.
The World Health Organization notes that diarrheal diseases are the second leading cause of death in children under five. These illnesses are both preventable and treatable, yet they still claim the lives of 525,000 children under five each year.
Diarrhea is very common in childhood, and its causes can vary widely, though it’s most often caused by a virus or bacteria.
Typically, a child may have watery, very frequent bowel movements, which may or may not be accompanied by abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or even difficulty tolerating food or liquids by mouth; depending on the cause, fever may also be present.
There are certain warning signs every parent should watch for, and seek emergency care if one or more of the following occur:
- More than three episodes of vomiting within less than an hour.
- Inability to tolerate fluids by mouth.
- Very watery, heavy bowel movements occurring three or more times within less than an hour.
- Continued heavy bowel movements despite ongoing rehydration efforts.
- Crying without tears.
- Dry mucous membranes or a dry mouth.
- No urination in the past six to eight hours.
Recommendations for Managing Diarrhea in Children
Once a child has been seen by a doctor, it’s very important to follow the pediatrician’s instructions closely, notes Dr. Maya.
After the visit, it’s also important to stay in touch with the doctor about any changes, whether the child is improving or getting worse, since this can make a real difference in how the illness progresses.
For hydration, offer fluids, but avoid juices or drinks with added sugars or refined sweeteners, as these can worsen diarrhea symptoms.
At ABC Medical Center’s Pediatrics Center, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
