🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 116 (from laksa102)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa116.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diarrhea-in-children\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diarrhea-in-children\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/diarrhea-in-children","crawl_time":1776356152,"first_indexed_time":1554596794,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"org,hopkinsmedicine!www,\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/diarrhea-in-children s443","src_root_hash":"4754538707639265316","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Diarrhea in Children | Johns Hopkins Medicine","meta_descriptions":["Diarrhea is when stools (bowel movements) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"What is diarrhea in children?\nDiarrhea is when bowel movements (stools) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often.\nDiarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and go away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, your child may have a more serious problem.\nDiarrhea may be either:\nShort-term (acute). \nDiarrhea that lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away. This may be caused by food or water that was contaminated by bacteria (bacterial infection). Or it may happen if your child gets sick from a virus.\nLong-term (chronic). \nDiarrhea that lasts for a few weeks. This may be caused by another health problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be caused by an intestinal disease, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease. Giardia may also cause chronic diarrhea.\nWhat causes diarrhea in a child?\nDiarrhea may be caused by many things, including:\nBacterial infection\nViral infection\nTrouble digesting certain things (food intolerance)\nAn immune system response to certain foods (food allergy)\nParasites that enter the body through food or water\nReaction to medicines\nAn intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease\nA problem with how the stomach and bowels work (functional bowel disorder), such as irritable bowel syndrome\nSurgery on the stomach or gallbladder\nChildren who visit some foreign countries are at risk for traveler's diarrhea. This is caused by having food or water that isn't safe because of bacteria, viruses, or parasites.\nSevere diarrhea may mean a child has a serious disease. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if symptoms don’t go away. Also talk with the provider if symptoms stop your child from doing daily activities. It may be hard to find out what is causing your child’s diarrhea. \nWhat are the symptoms of diarrhea in a child?\nSymptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:\nCramping\nBelly (abdominal) pain\nSwelling (bloating)\nUpset stomach (nausea)\nUrgent need to use the bathroom\nFever\nBloody stools\nLoss of body fluids (dehydration)\nIncontinence\nThe symptoms of diarrhea may look like other health problems. Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea may be a sign of a serious disease. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.\nHow is diarrhea diagnosed in a child?\nThe healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. Your child may have lab tests to check blood and urine.\nOther tests may include:\nA stool culture. \nThis checks for abnormal bacteria or parasites in your child’s digestive tract. A small stool sample is taken and sent to a lab to be looked at. Sometimes a quick rectal swab, done in the office, can also check for infection.\nA stool evaluation. \nThis checks the stool for blood or fat.\nBlood tests. \nThese are done to rule out certain diseases.\nImaging tests. \nThese can rule out structural problems.\nOther tests. \nTests may be done to check for food intolerance or allergies.\nA sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. \nThese are done to check the inside of part or all of your child’s large intestine.\nHow is diarrhea treated in a child?\nTreatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause and how severe the condition is.\nDehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment includes replacing lost fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infections are the cause.\nChildren should drink lots of fluids. This helps replace the lost body fluids. If your child is dehydrated:\nOffer drinks called glucose-electrolyte solutions. These fluids have the right balance of water, sugar, and salts. Some are available as ice pops.\nStay away from commercial sports drinks. These don't have the right balance for a child with severe diarrhea and dehydration.\nDon't give juice or soda. They may make diarrhea worse.\nDon't give plain water to your baby.\nDon't give too much plain water to kids of any age. It can be dangerous.\nKeep breastfeeding your baby. Breastfed babies often have less diarrhea.\nKeep feeding your baby formula, if you were already doing so.\nWhat are possible complications of diarrhea in a child?\nThe greatest complication of diarrhea is dehydration. This is more likely with young children and those with a weakened immune system. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild dehydration is the loss of fluid. Moderate or severe dehydration puts stress on the heart and lungs. In the worst cases, it can lead to shock, which is life-threatening.\nWhat can I do to help prevent diarrhea in my child?\nCorrect handwashing can reduce the spread of bacteria that may cause diarrhea. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also helpful.\nA rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotaviruses. Rotavirus is a viral infection of the digestive tract. It can cause dehydration. Ask your child's healthcare provider which vaccines are right for your child.\nWhen you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe. This is even more important if you travel to developing countries.\nTravel safety tips for drinking and eating include:\nNot drinking tap water or using it to brush teeth\nNot using ice made from tap water\nNot drinking unpasteurized milk (milk that hasn't gone through a process to kill certain bacteria)\nNot eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you wash and peel them yourself\nNot eating raw or undercooked meat or fish\nNot eating food from street vendors or food trucks\nTalk with your child's healthcare provider before traveling.\nWhen should I call my child's healthcare provider?\nCall your child's healthcare provider if your child is a baby younger than 6 months old or has any of these symptoms:\nBelly pain\nBlood in the stool\nFrequent vomiting\nDoesn’t want to drink liquids\nHigh fever\nDry, sticky mouth\nWeight loss\nUrinates less frequently (wets fewer than 6 diapers per day)\nFrequent diarrhea\nExtreme thirst\nNo tears when crying\nSunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head\nKey points about diarrhea in children\nDiarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements (stool). Your child may also have to go to the bathroom more often.\nIt may be caused by many things, including bacterial infection or viral infection.\nDehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment involves replacing lost fluids.\nCorrect handwashing can help prevent diarrhea. The rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea caused by that virus.\nWhen you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe.","attrs_markdown":"[Skip to Main Content](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/diarrhea-in-children#skip)\n\n[![Johns Hopkins Medicine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/hopkins-medicine-logo-white-header.svg?iar=0&hash=C6173D209DB591FDF4EFE00B18C2FFE4)](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\n\nJohns Hopkins Medicine  Menu\n\n- [Health](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health)\n- [School of Medicine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/som)\n- [Johns Hopkins Medicine Home](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\n- [About](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/about)\n- [Patient Care](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care)\n- [Research](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/research)\n\n- [MyChart](https:\/\/mychart.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\n- [Schedule an Appointment](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/johns-hopkins-medicine-request-appointment)\n- [Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/profiles)\n- [Find a Clinical Trial](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/clinical-trials)\n- [Pay Your Bill](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/billing-insurance\/pay-bill)\n- [Employment](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/employment)\n\nClose\n\nSearch\n\nClose\n\n[MyChart Login MyChart](https:\/\/mychart.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\n\n[Home](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/) [Health Home](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health) [Conditions and Diseases](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases)\n\n![A mother helps a child through diarrhea in children](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/chidrens-health\/diarrhea-in-children-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=6D57A0B823EE9C9FD7A0989F6094CB0D)\n\n![A mother helps a child through diarrhea in children](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/chidrens-health\/diarrhea-in-children-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=6D57A0B823EE9C9FD7A0989F6094CB0D)\n\n![A mother helps a child through diarrhea in children](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/chidrens-health\/diarrhea-in-children-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=6D57A0B823EE9C9FD7A0989F6094CB0D)\n\n# Diarrhea in Children\n## What is diarrhea in children?\nDiarrhea is when bowel movements (stools) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often.\n\nDiarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and go away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, your child may have a more serious problem.\n\nDiarrhea may be either:\n\n- **Short-term (acute).** Diarrhea that lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away. This may be caused by food or water that was contaminated by bacteria (bacterial infection). Or it may happen if your child gets sick from a virus.\n- **Long-term (chronic).** Diarrhea that lasts for a few weeks. This may be caused by another health problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be caused by an intestinal disease, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease. Giardia may also cause chronic diarrhea.\n## What causes diarrhea in a child?\nDiarrhea may be caused by many things, including:\n\n- Bacterial infection\n- Viral infection\n- Trouble digesting certain things (food intolerance)\n- An immune system response to certain foods (food allergy)\n- Parasites that enter the body through food or water\n- Reaction to medicines\n- An intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease\n- A problem with how the stomach and bowels work (functional bowel disorder), such as irritable bowel syndrome\n- Surgery on the stomach or gallbladder\n\nChildren who visit some foreign countries are at risk for traveler's diarrhea. This is caused by having food or water that isn't safe because of bacteria, viruses, or parasites.\n\nSevere diarrhea may mean a child has a serious disease. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if symptoms don’t go away. Also talk with the provider if symptoms stop your child from doing daily activities. It may be hard to find out what is causing your child’s diarrhea.\n\n## What are the symptoms of diarrhea in a child?\nSymptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:\n\n- Cramping\n- Belly (abdominal) pain\n- Swelling (bloating)\n- Upset stomach (nausea)\n- Urgent need to use the bathroom\n- Fever\n- Bloody stools\n- Loss of body fluids (dehydration)\n- Incontinence\n\nThe symptoms of diarrhea may look like other health problems. Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea may be a sign of a serious disease. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.\n\n## How is diarrhea diagnosed in a child?\nThe healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. Your child may have lab tests to check blood and urine.\n\nOther tests may include:\n\n- **A stool culture.** This checks for abnormal bacteria or parasites in your child’s digestive tract. A small stool sample is taken and sent to a lab to be looked at. Sometimes a quick rectal swab, done in the office, can also check for infection.\n- **A stool evaluation.** This checks the stool for blood or fat.\n- **Blood tests.** These are done to rule out certain diseases.\n- **Imaging tests.** These can rule out structural problems.\n- **Other tests.** Tests may be done to check for food intolerance or allergies.\n- **A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.** These are done to check the inside of part or all of your child’s large intestine.\n## How is diarrhea treated in a child?\nTreatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause and how severe the condition is.\n\nDehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment includes replacing lost fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infections are the cause.\n\nChildren should drink lots of fluids. This helps replace the lost body fluids. If your child is dehydrated:\n\n- Offer drinks called glucose-electrolyte solutions. These fluids have the right balance of water, sugar, and salts. Some are available as ice pops.\n- Stay away from commercial sports drinks. These don't have the right balance for a child with severe diarrhea and dehydration.\n- Don't give juice or soda. They may make diarrhea worse.\n- Don't give plain water to your baby.\n- Don't give too much plain water to kids of any age. It can be dangerous.\n- Keep breastfeeding your baby. Breastfed babies often have less diarrhea.\n- Keep feeding your baby formula, if you were already doing so.\n## What are possible complications of diarrhea in a child?\nThe greatest complication of diarrhea is dehydration. This is more likely with young children and those with a weakened immune system. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild dehydration is the loss of fluid. Moderate or severe dehydration puts stress on the heart and lungs. In the worst cases, it can lead to shock, which is life-threatening.\n\n## What can I do to help prevent diarrhea in my child?\nCorrect handwashing can reduce the spread of bacteria that may cause diarrhea. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also helpful.\n\nA rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotaviruses. Rotavirus is a viral infection of the digestive tract. It can cause dehydration. Ask your child's healthcare provider which vaccines are right for your child.\n\nWhen you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe. This is even more important if you travel to developing countries.\n\nTravel safety tips for drinking and eating include:\n\n- Not drinking tap water or using it to brush teeth\n- Not using ice made from tap water\n- Not drinking unpasteurized milk (milk that hasn't gone through a process to kill certain bacteria)\n- Not eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you wash and peel them yourself\n- Not eating raw or undercooked meat or fish\n- Not eating food from street vendors or food trucks\n\nTalk with your child's healthcare provider before traveling.\n\n## When should I call my child's healthcare provider?\nCall your child's healthcare provider if your child is a baby younger than 6 months old or has any of these symptoms:\n\n- Belly pain\n- Blood in the stool\n- Frequent vomiting\n- Doesn’t want to drink liquids\n- High fever\n- Dry, sticky mouth\n- Weight loss\n- Urinates less frequently (wets fewer than 6 diapers per day)\n- Frequent diarrhea\n- Extreme thirst\n- No tears when crying\n- Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head\n## Key points about diarrhea in children\n- Diarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements (stool). Your child may also have to go to the bathroom more often.\n- It may be caused by many things, including bacterial infection or viral infection.\n- Dehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment involves replacing lost fluids.\n- Correct handwashing can help prevent diarrhea. The rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea caused by that virus.\n- When you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe.\n\n#### \\#TomorrowsDiscoveries: Controlling the Balance Between Salt and Water – Dr. William Guggino\n[Watch on YouTube - ![](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/youtube-video-thumbnails\/tomorrowsdiscoveries-controlling-the-balance-between-salt-and-water--dr-william-guggino\/mqdefault.jpg)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=5o67gapWBu0&ab_channel=JohnsHopkinsMedicine)\n\n\\#TomorrowsDiscoveries: Imbalances of salt and water in the body can lead to problems ranging from cystic fibrosis to diarrhea to kidney failure. Dr. Guggino and his team study the channels that move salt and water– and what goes wrong with them in disease.\n\n## Find a Doctor\nSpecializing In:\n\n- [General Pediatrics](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"General+Pediatrics\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n- [Diarrheal Disease](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Diarrheal+Disease\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n- [Diarrhea](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Diarrhea\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n\n- [Clostridium Difficile](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Clostridium+Difficile\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n\nSee More\n\n## Find a Treatment Center\n- [General Pediatrics (Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital)](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/all-childrens-hospital\/services\/pediatric-and-adolescent-medicine\/general-pediatrics)\n- [General Pediatrics (Johns Hopkins Children's Center)](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/johns-hopkins-childrens-center\/what-we-treat\/specialties\/general-pediatrics\/)\n\nFind Additional Treatment Centers at:\n\n- [Howard County Medical Center](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/johns-hopkins-howard-county)\n- [Sibley Memorial Hospital](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/sibley-memorial-hospital)\n- [Suburban Hospital](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/suburban-hospital)\n\n## Related\n![Toilet paper with a frrowning face.](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome\/diarrhea-teaser.jpg?h=260&iar=0&w=380&hash=0D36083875B85CB85E7D5A5AA7B7BFB2)\n\n- [Diarrhea](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/diarrhea)\n- [Collagenous and Lymphocytic Colitis](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/collagenous-and-lymphocytic-colitis)\n- [Cryptosporidiosis](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/cryptosporidiosis)\n- [Traveler's Diarrhea](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/travelers-diarrhea)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/project\/jhm\/icons\/jhmcalendar.svg?iar=0&hash=9758E8BED5D3E0BEC4202D7B92AC5624)\n\n## Request an Appointment\n[Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/profiles\/)\n\n- [410-955-5000](tel:410-955-5000) Maryland\n- [727-767-8917](tel:727-767-8917) Florida\n- [\\+1-410-502-7683](tel:+1-410-502-7683) International\n\n[Find a Doctor](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/profiles\/)\n\nSee More\n\n## Find a Doctor\nSpecializing In:\n\n- [General Pediatrics](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"General+Pediatrics\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n- [Diarrheal Disease](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Diarrheal+Disease\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n- [Diarrhea](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Diarrhea\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n\n- [Clostridium Difficile](https:\/\/profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org\/search?unified=\"Clostridium+Difficile\"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best)\n\nSee More\n\n## Find a Treatment Center\n- [General Pediatrics (Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital)](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/all-childrens-hospital\/services\/pediatric-and-adolescent-medicine\/general-pediatrics)\n- [General Pediatrics (Johns Hopkins Children's Center)](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/johns-hopkins-childrens-center\/what-we-treat\/specialties\/general-pediatrics\/)\n\nFind Additional Treatment Centers at:\n\n- [Howard County Medical Center](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/johns-hopkins-howard-county)\n- [Sibley Memorial Hospital](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/sibley-memorial-hospital)\n- [Suburban Hospital](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/suburban-hospital)\n\n## Related\n- [![Toilet paper with a frrowning face.](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/irritable-bowel-syndrome\/diarrhea-teaser.jpg?h=260&iar=0&mh=260&mw=380&w=380&hash=6078A2CCE6137BBD8B981B3DEF476F69) Diarrhea Diarrhea](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/diarrhea)\n- [![a woman with collagenous and lymphocytic colitis holds her stomach](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/health\/1_-conditions\/stomach-and-gut\/collagenous-and-lymphocytic-colitis-teaser.jpg?h=260&iar=0&mh=260&mw=380&w=380&hash=2CA276A46479A6BCA4FC4B303339B960) Diarrhea Collagenous and Lymphocytic Colitis](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/collagenous-and-lymphocytic-colitis)\n- [![No image available](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/feature\/noimageavailable.png?h=260&iar=0&mh=260&mw=380&w=380&hash=01CB2D77A5A7FCCDF87DF2ED968048A2) Diarrhea Cryptosporidiosis](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/health\/conditions-and-diseases\/cryptosporidiosis)\n\n## [![Johns Hopkins Medicine](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/-\/media\/images\/hopkins-nav-logo.svg)](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/)\nLanguage Assistance Available:\n\n- [Español](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#spanish)\n- [አማርኛ](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#amharic)\n- [繁體中文](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#chinese)\n- [Français](https:\/\/www.hopkinsmedicine.org\/patient-care\/patients-visitors\/language-assistance-services#french)\n- 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All rights reserved.","attrs_readable_markdown":"## What is diarrhea in children?\nDiarrhea is when bowel movements (stools) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often.\n\nDiarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and go away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, your child may have a more serious problem.\n\nDiarrhea may be either:\n\n- **Short-term (acute).** Diarrhea that lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away. This may be caused by food or water that was contaminated by bacteria (bacterial infection). Or it may happen if your child gets sick from a virus.\n- **Long-term (chronic).** Diarrhea that lasts for a few weeks. This may be caused by another health problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be caused by an intestinal disease, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease. Giardia may also cause chronic diarrhea.\n## What causes diarrhea in a child?\nDiarrhea may be caused by many things, including:\n\n- Bacterial infection\n- Viral infection\n- Trouble digesting certain things (food intolerance)\n- An immune system response to certain foods (food allergy)\n- Parasites that enter the body through food or water\n- Reaction to medicines\n- An intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease\n- A problem with how the stomach and bowels work (functional bowel disorder), such as irritable bowel syndrome\n- Surgery on the stomach or gallbladder\n\nChildren who visit some foreign countries are at risk for traveler's diarrhea. This is caused by having food or water that isn't safe because of bacteria, viruses, or parasites.\n\nSevere diarrhea may mean a child has a serious disease. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if symptoms don’t go away. Also talk with the provider if symptoms stop your child from doing daily activities. It may be hard to find out what is causing your child’s diarrhea.\n\n## What are the symptoms of diarrhea in a child?\nSymptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include:\n\n- Cramping\n- Belly (abdominal) pain\n- Swelling (bloating)\n- Upset stomach (nausea)\n- Urgent need to use the bathroom\n- Fever\n- Bloody stools\n- Loss of body fluids (dehydration)\n- Incontinence\n\nThe symptoms of diarrhea may look like other health problems. Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea may be a sign of a serious disease. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis.\n\n## How is diarrhea diagnosed in a child?\nThe healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. Your child may have lab tests to check blood and urine.\n\nOther tests may include:\n\n- **A stool culture.** This checks for abnormal bacteria or parasites in your child’s digestive tract. A small stool sample is taken and sent to a lab to be looked at. Sometimes a quick rectal swab, done in the office, can also check for infection.\n- **A stool evaluation.** This checks the stool for blood or fat.\n- **Blood tests.** These are done to rule out certain diseases.\n- **Imaging tests.** These can rule out structural problems.\n- **Other tests.** Tests may be done to check for food intolerance or allergies.\n- **A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy.** These are done to check the inside of part or all of your child’s large intestine.\n## How is diarrhea treated in a child?\nTreatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause and how severe the condition is.\n\nDehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment includes replacing lost fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infections are the cause.\n\nChildren should drink lots of fluids. This helps replace the lost body fluids. If your child is dehydrated:\n\n- Offer drinks called glucose-electrolyte solutions. These fluids have the right balance of water, sugar, and salts. Some are available as ice pops.\n- Stay away from commercial sports drinks. These don't have the right balance for a child with severe diarrhea and dehydration.\n- Don't give juice or soda. They may make diarrhea worse.\n- Don't give plain water to your baby.\n- Don't give too much plain water to kids of any age. It can be dangerous.\n- Keep breastfeeding your baby. Breastfed babies often have less diarrhea.\n- Keep feeding your baby formula, if you were already doing so.\n## What are possible complications of diarrhea in a child?\nThe greatest complication of diarrhea is dehydration. This is more likely with young children and those with a weakened immune system. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild dehydration is the loss of fluid. Moderate or severe dehydration puts stress on the heart and lungs. In the worst cases, it can lead to shock, which is life-threatening.\n\n## What can I do to help prevent diarrhea in my child?\nCorrect handwashing can reduce the spread of bacteria that may cause diarrhea. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also helpful.\n\nA rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotaviruses. Rotavirus is a viral infection of the digestive tract. It can cause dehydration. Ask your child's healthcare provider which vaccines are right for your child.\n\nWhen you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe. This is even more important if you travel to developing countries.\n\nTravel safety tips for drinking and eating include:\n\n- Not drinking tap water or using it to brush teeth\n- Not using ice made from tap water\n- Not drinking unpasteurized milk (milk that hasn't gone through a process to kill certain bacteria)\n- Not eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you wash and peel them yourself\n- Not eating raw or undercooked meat or fish\n- Not eating food from street vendors or food trucks\n\nTalk with your child's healthcare provider before traveling.\n\n## When should I call my child's healthcare provider?\nCall your child's healthcare provider if your child is a baby younger than 6 months old or has any of these symptoms:\n\n- Belly pain\n- Blood in the stool\n- Frequent vomiting\n- Doesn’t want to drink liquids\n- High fever\n- Dry, sticky mouth\n- Weight loss\n- Urinates less frequently (wets fewer than 6 diapers per day)\n- Frequent diarrhea\n- Extreme thirst\n- No tears when crying\n- Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head\n## Key points about diarrhea in children\n- Diarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements (stool). Your child may also have to go to the bathroom more often.\n- It may be caused by many things, including bacterial infection or viral infection.\n- Dehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment involves replacing lost fluids.\n- Correct handwashing can help prevent diarrhea. The rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea caused by that virus.\n- When you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe.","meta_canonical":null}

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URL	https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diarrhea-in-children
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Meta Title	Diarrhea in Children \| Johns Hopkins Medicine
Meta Description	Diarrhea is when stools (bowel movements) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	What is diarrhea in children? Diarrhea is when bowel movements (stools) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often. Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and go away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, your child may have a more serious problem. Diarrhea may be either: Short-term (acute). Diarrhea that lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away. This may be caused by food or water that was contaminated by bacteria (bacterial infection). Or it may happen if your child gets sick from a virus. Long-term (chronic). Diarrhea that lasts for a few weeks. This may be caused by another health problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be caused by an intestinal disease, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease. Giardia may also cause chronic diarrhea. What causes diarrhea in a child? Diarrhea may be caused by many things, including: Bacterial infection Viral infection Trouble digesting certain things (food intolerance) An immune system response to certain foods (food allergy) Parasites that enter the body through food or water Reaction to medicines An intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease A problem with how the stomach and bowels work (functional bowel disorder), such as irritable bowel syndrome Surgery on the stomach or gallbladder Children who visit some foreign countries are at risk for traveler's diarrhea. This is caused by having food or water that isn't safe because of bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Severe diarrhea may mean a child has a serious disease. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if symptoms don’t go away. Also talk with the provider if symptoms stop your child from doing daily activities. It may be hard to find out what is causing your child’s diarrhea. What are the symptoms of diarrhea in a child? Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include: Cramping Belly (abdominal) pain Swelling (bloating) Upset stomach (nausea) Urgent need to use the bathroom Fever Bloody stools Loss of body fluids (dehydration) Incontinence The symptoms of diarrhea may look like other health problems. Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea may be a sign of a serious disease. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is diarrhea diagnosed in a child? The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. Your child may have lab tests to check blood and urine. Other tests may include: A stool culture. This checks for abnormal bacteria or parasites in your child’s digestive tract. A small stool sample is taken and sent to a lab to be looked at. Sometimes a quick rectal swab, done in the office, can also check for infection. A stool evaluation. This checks the stool for blood or fat. Blood tests. These are done to rule out certain diseases. Imaging tests. These can rule out structural problems. Other tests. Tests may be done to check for food intolerance or allergies. A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. These are done to check the inside of part or all of your child’s large intestine. How is diarrhea treated in a child? Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause and how severe the condition is. Dehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment includes replacing lost fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infections are the cause. Children should drink lots of fluids. This helps replace the lost body fluids. If your child is dehydrated: Offer drinks called glucose-electrolyte solutions. These fluids have the right balance of water, sugar, and salts. Some are available as ice pops. Stay away from commercial sports drinks. These don't have the right balance for a child with severe diarrhea and dehydration. Don't give juice or soda. They may make diarrhea worse. Don't give plain water to your baby. Don't give too much plain water to kids of any age. It can be dangerous. Keep breastfeeding your baby. Breastfed babies often have less diarrhea. Keep feeding your baby formula, if you were already doing so. What are possible complications of diarrhea in a child? The greatest complication of diarrhea is dehydration. This is more likely with young children and those with a weakened immune system. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild dehydration is the loss of fluid. Moderate or severe dehydration puts stress on the heart and lungs. In the worst cases, it can lead to shock, which is life-threatening. What can I do to help prevent diarrhea in my child? Correct handwashing can reduce the spread of bacteria that may cause diarrhea. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also helpful. A rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotaviruses. Rotavirus is a viral infection of the digestive tract. It can cause dehydration. Ask your child's healthcare provider which vaccines are right for your child. When you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe. This is even more important if you travel to developing countries. Travel safety tips for drinking and eating include: Not drinking tap water or using it to brush teeth Not using ice made from tap water Not drinking unpasteurized milk (milk that hasn't gone through a process to kill certain bacteria) Not eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you wash and peel them yourself Not eating raw or undercooked meat or fish Not eating food from street vendors or food trucks Talk with your child's healthcare provider before traveling. When should I call my child's healthcare provider? Call your child's healthcare provider if your child is a baby younger than 6 months old or has any of these symptoms: Belly pain Blood in the stool Frequent vomiting Doesn’t want to drink liquids High fever Dry, sticky mouth Weight loss Urinates less frequently (wets fewer than 6 diapers per day) Frequent diarrhea Extreme thirst No tears when crying Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head Key points about diarrhea in children Diarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements (stool). Your child may also have to go to the bathroom more often. It may be caused by many things, including bacterial infection or viral infection. Dehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment involves replacing lost fluids. Correct handwashing can help prevent diarrhea. The rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea caused by that virus. When you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe.
Markdown	[Skip to Main Content](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/diarrhea-in-children#skip) [![Johns Hopkins Medicine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/hopkins-medicine-logo-white-header.svg?iar=0&hash=C6173D209DB591FDF4EFE00B18C2FFE4)](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/) Johns Hopkins Medicine Menu - [Health](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health) - [School of Medicine](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/som) - [Johns Hopkins Medicine Home](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/) - [About](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/about) - [Patient Care](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/patient-care) - [Research](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/research) - [MyChart](https://mychart.hopkinsmedicine.org/) - [Schedule an Appointment](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/patient-care/johns-hopkins-medicine-request-appointment) - [Find a Doctor](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles) - [Find a Clinical Trial](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/clinical-trials) - [Pay Your Bill](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/patient-care/patients-visitors/billing-insurance/pay-bill) - [Employment](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/employment) Close Search Close [MyChart Login MyChart](https://mychart.hopkinsmedicine.org/) [Home](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/) [Health Home](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health) [Conditions and Diseases](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases) ![A mother helps a child through diarrhea in children](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/health/1_-conditions/chidrens-health/diarrhea-in-children-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=6D57A0B823EE9C9FD7A0989F6094CB0D) ![A mother helps a child through diarrhea in children](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/health/1_-conditions/chidrens-health/diarrhea-in-children-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=6D57A0B823EE9C9FD7A0989F6094CB0D) ![A mother helps a child through diarrhea in children](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/images/health/1_-conditions/chidrens-health/diarrhea-in-children-hero.jpg?h=500&iar=0&mh=500&mw=1300&w=1297&hash=6D57A0B823EE9C9FD7A0989F6094CB0D) # Diarrhea in Children ## What is diarrhea in children? Diarrhea is when bowel movements (stools) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often. Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and go away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, your child may have a more serious problem. Diarrhea may be either: - Short-term (acute). Diarrhea that lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away. This may be caused by food or water that was contaminated by bacteria (bacterial infection). Or it may happen if your child gets sick from a virus. - Long-term (chronic). Diarrhea that lasts for a few weeks. This may be caused by another health problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be caused by an intestinal disease, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease. Giardia may also cause chronic diarrhea. ## What causes diarrhea in a child? Diarrhea may be caused by many things, including: - Bacterial infection - Viral infection - Trouble digesting certain things (food intolerance) - An immune system response to certain foods (food allergy) - Parasites that enter the body through food or water - Reaction to medicines - An intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease - A problem with how the stomach and bowels work (functional bowel disorder), such as irritable bowel syndrome - Surgery on the stomach or gallbladder Children who visit some foreign countries are at risk for traveler's diarrhea. This is caused by having food or water that isn't safe because of bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Severe diarrhea may mean a child has a serious disease. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if symptoms don’t go away. Also talk with the provider if symptoms stop your child from doing daily activities. It may be hard to find out what is causing your child’s diarrhea. ## What are the symptoms of diarrhea in a child? Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include: - Cramping - Belly (abdominal) pain - Swelling (bloating) - Upset stomach (nausea) - Urgent need to use the bathroom - Fever - Bloody stools - Loss of body fluids (dehydration) - Incontinence The symptoms of diarrhea may look like other health problems. Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea may be a sign of a serious disease. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. ## How is diarrhea diagnosed in a child? The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. Your child may have lab tests to check blood and urine. Other tests may include: - A stool culture. This checks for abnormal bacteria or parasites in your child’s digestive tract. A small stool sample is taken and sent to a lab to be looked at. Sometimes a quick rectal swab, done in the office, can also check for infection. - A stool evaluation. This checks the stool for blood or fat. - Blood tests. These are done to rule out certain diseases. - Imaging tests. These can rule out structural problems. - Other tests. Tests may be done to check for food intolerance or allergies. - A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. These are done to check the inside of part or all of your child’s large intestine. ## How is diarrhea treated in a child? Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause and how severe the condition is. Dehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment includes replacing lost fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infections are the cause. Children should drink lots of fluids. This helps replace the lost body fluids. If your child is dehydrated: - Offer drinks called glucose-electrolyte solutions. These fluids have the right balance of water, sugar, and salts. Some are available as ice pops. - Stay away from commercial sports drinks. These don't have the right balance for a child with severe diarrhea and dehydration. - Don't give juice or soda. They may make diarrhea worse. - Don't give plain water to your baby. - Don't give too much plain water to kids of any age. It can be dangerous. - Keep breastfeeding your baby. Breastfed babies often have less diarrhea. - Keep feeding your baby formula, if you were already doing so. ## What are possible complications of diarrhea in a child? The greatest complication of diarrhea is dehydration. This is more likely with young children and those with a weakened immune system. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild dehydration is the loss of fluid. Moderate or severe dehydration puts stress on the heart and lungs. In the worst cases, it can lead to shock, which is life-threatening. ## What can I do to help prevent diarrhea in my child? Correct handwashing can reduce the spread of bacteria that may cause diarrhea. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also helpful. A rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotaviruses. Rotavirus is a viral infection of the digestive tract. It can cause dehydration. Ask your child's healthcare provider which vaccines are right for your child. When you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe. This is even more important if you travel to developing countries. Travel safety tips for drinking and eating include: - Not drinking tap water or using it to brush teeth - Not using ice made from tap water - Not drinking unpasteurized milk (milk that hasn't gone through a process to kill certain bacteria) - Not eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you wash and peel them yourself - Not eating raw or undercooked meat or fish - Not eating food from street vendors or food trucks Talk with your child's healthcare provider before traveling. ## When should I call my child's healthcare provider? Call your child's healthcare provider if your child is a baby younger than 6 months old or has any of these symptoms: - Belly pain - Blood in the stool - Frequent vomiting - Doesn’t want to drink liquids - High fever - Dry, sticky mouth - Weight loss - Urinates less frequently (wets fewer than 6 diapers per day) - Frequent diarrhea - Extreme thirst - No tears when crying - Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head ## Key points about diarrhea in children - Diarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements (stool). Your child may also have to go to the bathroom more often. - It may be caused by many things, including bacterial infection or viral infection. - Dehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment involves replacing lost fluids. - Correct handwashing can help prevent diarrhea. The rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea caused by that virus. - When you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe. #### \#TomorrowsDiscoveries: Controlling the Balance Between Salt and Water – Dr. William Guggino [Watch on YouTube - ![](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/-/media/youtube-video-thumbnails/tomorrowsdiscoveries-controlling-the-balance-between-salt-and-water--dr-william-guggino/mqdefault.jpg)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5o67gapWBu0&ab_channel=JohnsHopkinsMedicine) \#TomorrowsDiscoveries: Imbalances of salt and water in the body can lead to problems ranging from cystic fibrosis to diarrhea to kidney failure. Dr. Guggino and his team study the channels that move salt and water– and what goes wrong with them in disease. ## Find a Doctor Specializing In: - [General Pediatrics](https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/search?unified="General+Pediatrics"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best) - [Diarrheal Disease](https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/search?unified="Diarrheal+Disease"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best) - [Diarrhea](https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/search?unified="Diarrhea"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best) - [Clostridium Difficile](https://profiles.hopkinsmedicine.org/search?unified="Clostridium+Difficile"&sort=networks%2Crelevance%2Cavailability_density_best) See More ## Find a Treatment Center - [General Pediatrics (Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital)](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/all-childrens-hospital/services/pediatric-and-adolescent-medicine/general-pediatrics) - [General Pediatrics (Johns Hopkins Children's Center)](https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/johns-hopkins-childrens-center/what-we-treat/specialties/general-pediatrics/) Find Additional Treatment Centers at: - 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Readable Markdown	## What is diarrhea in children? Diarrhea is when bowel movements (stools) are loose and watery. Your child may also need to go to the bathroom more often. Diarrhea is a common problem. It may last 1 or 2 days and go away on its own. If diarrhea lasts more than 2 days, your child may have a more serious problem. Diarrhea may be either: - Short-term (acute). Diarrhea that lasts 1 or 2 days and goes away. This may be caused by food or water that was contaminated by bacteria (bacterial infection). Or it may happen if your child gets sick from a virus. - Long-term (chronic). Diarrhea that lasts for a few weeks. This may be caused by another health problem, such as irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be caused by an intestinal disease, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, or celiac disease. Giardia may also cause chronic diarrhea. ## What causes diarrhea in a child? Diarrhea may be caused by many things, including: - Bacterial infection - Viral infection - Trouble digesting certain things (food intolerance) - An immune system response to certain foods (food allergy) - Parasites that enter the body through food or water - Reaction to medicines - An intestinal disease, such as inflammatory bowel disease - A problem with how the stomach and bowels work (functional bowel disorder), such as irritable bowel syndrome - Surgery on the stomach or gallbladder Children who visit some foreign countries are at risk for traveler's diarrhea. This is caused by having food or water that isn't safe because of bacteria, viruses, or parasites. Severe diarrhea may mean a child has a serious disease. Talk with your child's healthcare provider if symptoms don’t go away. Also talk with the provider if symptoms stop your child from doing daily activities. It may be hard to find out what is causing your child’s diarrhea. ## What are the symptoms of diarrhea in a child? Symptoms can occur a bit differently in each child. They can include: - Cramping - Belly (abdominal) pain - Swelling (bloating) - Upset stomach (nausea) - Urgent need to use the bathroom - Fever - Bloody stools - Loss of body fluids (dehydration) - Incontinence The symptoms of diarrhea may look like other health problems. Severe, persistent, or bloody diarrhea may be a sign of a serious disease. Make sure your child sees their healthcare provider for a diagnosis. ## How is diarrhea diagnosed in a child? The healthcare provider will ask about your child’s symptoms and health history. They will give your child a physical exam. Your child may have lab tests to check blood and urine. Other tests may include: - A stool culture. This checks for abnormal bacteria or parasites in your child’s digestive tract. A small stool sample is taken and sent to a lab to be looked at. Sometimes a quick rectal swab, done in the office, can also check for infection. - A stool evaluation. This checks the stool for blood or fat. - Blood tests. These are done to rule out certain diseases. - Imaging tests. These can rule out structural problems. - Other tests. Tests may be done to check for food intolerance or allergies. - A sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy. These are done to check the inside of part or all of your child’s large intestine. ## How is diarrhea treated in a child? Treatment will depend on your child’s symptoms, age, and general health. It will also depend on the cause and how severe the condition is. Dehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment includes replacing lost fluids. Antibiotics may be prescribed when bacterial infections are the cause. Children should drink lots of fluids. This helps replace the lost body fluids. If your child is dehydrated: - Offer drinks called glucose-electrolyte solutions. These fluids have the right balance of water, sugar, and salts. Some are available as ice pops. - Stay away from commercial sports drinks. These don't have the right balance for a child with severe diarrhea and dehydration. - Don't give juice or soda. They may make diarrhea worse. - Don't give plain water to your baby. - Don't give too much plain water to kids of any age. It can be dangerous. - Keep breastfeeding your baby. Breastfed babies often have less diarrhea. - Keep feeding your baby formula, if you were already doing so. ## What are possible complications of diarrhea in a child? The greatest complication of diarrhea is dehydration. This is more likely with young children and those with a weakened immune system. Dehydration can be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild dehydration is the loss of fluid. Moderate or severe dehydration puts stress on the heart and lungs. In the worst cases, it can lead to shock, which is life-threatening. ## What can I do to help prevent diarrhea in my child? Correct handwashing can reduce the spread of bacteria that may cause diarrhea. Alcohol-based sanitizers are also helpful. A rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea and vomiting caused by rotaviruses. Rotavirus is a viral infection of the digestive tract. It can cause dehydration. Ask your child's healthcare provider which vaccines are right for your child. When you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe. This is even more important if you travel to developing countries. Travel safety tips for drinking and eating include: - Not drinking tap water or using it to brush teeth - Not using ice made from tap water - Not drinking unpasteurized milk (milk that hasn't gone through a process to kill certain bacteria) - Not eating raw fruits and vegetables unless you wash and peel them yourself - Not eating raw or undercooked meat or fish - Not eating food from street vendors or food trucks Talk with your child's healthcare provider before traveling. ## When should I call my child's healthcare provider? Call your child's healthcare provider if your child is a baby younger than 6 months old or has any of these symptoms: - Belly pain - Blood in the stool - Frequent vomiting - Doesn’t want to drink liquids - High fever - Dry, sticky mouth - Weight loss - Urinates less frequently (wets fewer than 6 diapers per day) - Frequent diarrhea - Extreme thirst - No tears when crying - Sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on baby’s head ## Key points about diarrhea in children - Diarrhea is loose, watery bowel movements (stool). Your child may also have to go to the bathroom more often. - It may be caused by many things, including bacterial infection or viral infection. - Dehydration is the major concern with diarrhea. In most cases, treatment involves replacing lost fluids. - Correct handwashing can help prevent diarrhea. The rotavirus vaccine can prevent diarrhea caused by that virus. - When you travel, make sure anything your child eats and drinks is safe.
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