What causes diarrhea and fever in children?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on March 10, 2025
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If a child has diarrhea accompanied by fever, it is generally considered to be infectious diarrhea, which includes both bacterial and viral infections. Common viral gastroenteritis is caused by rotavirus infection. Rotavirus infects the intestines, which can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea with frequent stooling, characterized by egg-flower or watery stools, and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and scanty urination. The treatment mainly focuses on fluid replenishment and symptomatic supportive care. There is also bacterial gastroenteritis, such as colitis caused by Escherichia coli infection and bacillary dysentery caused by Shigella infection, which can present with fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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How should pediatric diarrhea be treated?

For childhood diarrhea, initially probiotics can be administered to adjust the intestinal flora, commonly used probiotics include Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus acidophilus. Next, it's important to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, for which oral smectite powder can be given. Additionally, diarrhea can easily damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, so it's appropriate to supplement with zinc or folic acid to promote the repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is also important to ensure fluid replenishment to maintain hydroelectrolytic balance, commonly using oral rehydration salts which can replenish both fluids and electrolytes. Attention should also be paid to the child’s mental response and urinary output.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What are the common causes of diarrhea in children?

Some common causes of childhood diarrhea include infectious and non-infectious diarrhea. Causes of infectious diarrhea include bacteria, viruses, amoebic dysentery, etc. Common viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, etc. Common bacterial infections include Escherichia coli, Shigella, and other bacteria. Additionally, intestinal amoebic pathogens can also cause diarrhea. Some causes of non-infectious diarrhea include lactose intolerance and food allergies, among others.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
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Can children with diarrhea drink milk?

When a child experiences diarrhea, it indicates an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and a change in the nature of the stools. The first principle of treating diarrhea is to continue feeding the child, so it is acceptable for children who drink cow's milk to continue doing so. However, if the diarrhea persists for a long time and the child develops lactose intolerance, it may be considered to switch to a diarrhea-specific formula, which is lactose-free, as this will be more beneficial for the child's recovery from diarrhea. Normally, it is possible to continue giving cow's milk, as the feeding must continue to ensure the child's adequate nutritional needs. Otherwise, fasting the child and providing nothing to eat, coupled with diarrhea, can quickly lead to dehydration, acidosis, and electrolyte imbalances.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Is it normal for a child with diarrhea to just sleep?

Infant diarrhea accompanied by excessive sleep is often abnormal. Generally speaking, diarrhea can lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalance. In this case, the primary focus should be on rehydration to maintain electrolyte balance, adjusting the gut flora, and using some antidiarrheal medications for additional treatment.If the baby is only sleeping, it often indicates dehydration or symptoms of electrolyte imbalance. Under these circumstances, it is crucial to go to a hospital to check for any imbalance in electrolytes, acidosis, etc., and provide timely symptomatic treatment.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Why should zinc be supplemented for children with diarrhea?

Childhood diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal disease. After controlling the diarrhea in children, it is generally necessary to supplement with zinc for about ten days. During the diarrhea, the intestinal mucosa is damaged by pathogens. Zinc can promote the repair of the intestinal mucosa, while preventing the child from experiencing diarrhea again in the short term. Therefore, it is very important to supplement with zinc after childhood diarrhea. Additionally, while supplementing zinc, it is also very necessary to supplement other trace elements.