What's going on with a child's diarrhea being watery?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on May 17, 2025
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In cases where a child's diarrhea is watery, it is generally considered that a viral infection could be the cause, such as rotavirus enteritis, which can produce yellow, watery stools. Exposure to cold leading to diarrhea can also result in watery stools; additionally, some intestinal bacterial infections may present with watery diarrhea. Therefore, it is important to analyze each specific situation. Using probiotics to regulate intestinal flora, and employing montmorillonite powder to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa can be considered. It is also advisable to visit a hospital to conduct routine stool tests, and if necessary, complete stool culture to guide further medication and treatment. (Medications should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can children with diarrhea eat fruit?

When a child experiences diarrhea, their gastrointestinal function is clearly disordered. They have absorption dysfunction, meaning the nutritional substances they consume are not easily absorbed. There may even be a bacterial infection in the intestines, leading to inflammatory exudation and consequently, a noticeable increase in the frequency of bowel movements and watery stools. If the child consumes cold fruits during this period, it could aggravate the diarrhea. Therefore, if parents need to give fruits to a child with diarrhea, they should choose fruits like apples or oranges and serve them warm. Other fruits, such as bananas, could increase gastrointestinal motility and thus worsen the symptoms of diarrhea. During a diarrhea episode, it is important to select appropriate fruits and avoid cold foods.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What's causing a child's diarrhea and vomiting?

When a child has diarrhea accompanied by vomiting, we first consider the symptoms of acute gastroenteritis. In this situation, we need to analyze the cause. The most common cause is often rotavirus infection. Rotavirus is a self-limiting disease, and treatment is primarily symptomatic, focusing on fluid replenishment to maintain electrolyte balance. It is also important to pay attention to the baby's mental state, responsiveness, and urination. Additionally, we need to be cautious of vomiting and diarrhea caused by intestinal bacterial infections, such as food poisoning, which can present similar symptoms. If a bacterial infection is suspected, we must promptly administer sensitive antibiotics for the infection treatment, while also focusing on symptomatic treatments such as fluid and electrolyte replenishment.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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There are several types of childhood diarrhea.

If there is a change in frequency and characteristics of a child’s stool compared to usual, it could indicate the occurrence of diarrhea. Diarrhea can be classified into: 1. Acute diarrhea, which lasts for up to two weeks. 2. Persistent diarrhea, lasting between two weeks and two months. 3. Chronic diarrhea, lasting for more than two months. Based on the severity, it can be divided into: 1. Mild, generally without dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, or acid-base imbalances. 2. Moderate, accompanied by mild to moderate dehydration, or mild electrolyte disturbance. More severe cases involve severe dehydration and obvious symptoms of acid-base imbalance. Symptoms in children include lethargy, irritability, drowsiness, pale complexion, no fever, and a significant increase in white blood cell count. Causes of diarrhea can be divided into: infectious diarrhea, caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc., and non-infectious diarrhea, including foodborne diarrhea, symptomatic diarrhea, allergic diarrhea, and other types of diarrhea.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
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Can children with diarrhea eat eggs?

Diarrhea in children indicates that their gastrointestinal function is significantly weak, and their ability to absorb nutrients such as starch, fat, and protein is notably poor. Therefore, during a child's diarrhea period, it is recommended to provide some light, easily digestible food, and to avoid spicy, cold, or greasy foods, as well as high-protein and high-starch foods. While some eggs can be appropriate for children with diarrhea, the quantity should not be excessive. Additionally, some children may experience diarrhea due to allergies to certain proteins, in which case it is advised not to consume eggs.

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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.