What are the symptoms of diarrhea in children?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on October 29, 2024
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When children experience diarrhea, it is defined by an increased frequency of bowel movements and changes in the stool's consistency, which might appear as watery, mushy, or mucus-filled. The mucus may contain blood streaks. Additionally, children may exhibit systemic symptoms including persistent fever accompanied by nausea and vomiting, while the frequency of bowel movements noticeably increases, and the fever may present as persistent high temperature. Due to frequent episodes of diarrhea, the child might show signs of dehydration such as poor skin elasticity, sunken eye sockets, and if not yet closed, a sunken fontanelle. The skin can be particularly dry, and the child may have reduced urine production. In cases of severe diarrhea, the child may also appear lethargic or drowsy and show signs of circulatory collapse.

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Can children with diarrhea eat potatoes?

Pediatric diarrhea is caused by various factors leading to gastrointestinal dysfunction, resulting in malabsorption of nutrients, characterized by increased frequency and changed nature of stools. Potatoes contain a rich amount of starch and a large amount of dietary fiber. A large amount of dietary fiber can enhance gastrointestinal motility and has a laxative effect; therefore, it is advisable for children with diarrhea to eat fewer potatoes or avoid them altogether.

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What medicine should a child take for vomiting and diarrhea?

In cases where children experience vomiting and diarrhea, it is generally considered that the child may have acute gastroenteritis. For particularly severe diarrhea, where the stool is watery, it is advisable to give the child montmorillonite powder to protect the intestinal mucosa, along with probiotics, and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration. Because severe vomiting can also be a concern, treatments to stop vomiting can be implemented, such as administering Vitamin B6 via injection, or by administering oral aluminum phosphate gel. With the above treatments, vomiting and diarrhea can generally be well controlled. If the child has already developed moderate or more severe dehydration due to the vomiting and diarrhea, accompanied by varying degrees of electrolyte disorder, hospitalization for intravenous fluid therapy is then necessary. (Please use medication under the guidance of a professional physician, and do not self-medicate.)

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Written by Yao Li Qin
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Pediatric viral diarrhea infections are most commonly caused by what?

Children are prone to diarrhea due to the immature development of their gastrointestinal tract, with viral infections being very common among them. The most common virus causing diarrhea in children is the rotavirus. Initially, children may show symptoms similar to a cold, followed by watery or soup-like stools. Children can easily become dehydrated and suffer from electrolyte imbalances, so it is crucial to seek medical attention promptly. Another common virus causing diarrhea in children, similar to rotavirus but often more severe, is the norovirus. Norovirus also damages the intestinal mucosa, leading to watery stools and rapid dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Therefore, it's essential to be highly vigilant and take preventive measures against these viral infections.

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What causes diarrhea and fever in children?

Pediatric diarrhea is a group of diseases caused by multiple etiologies and factors, characterized by an increase in the frequency of defecation and changes in stool characteristics. Pediatric diarrhea can be accompanied by varying degrees of fever, primarily due to viral or bacterial infections. For example, clinically, infections with rotavirus can lead to high fever in children. Additionally, infections caused by various bacteria, such as bacterial dysentery, can increase the frequency of defecation and result in symptoms of bacterial toxicosis. In such cases, fever is also a symptom. Only when the infective factors are completely controlled can the body temperature return to a normal range.

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What department should a child with diarrhea visit?

Childhood diarrhea is a disease of the digestive system. If treated at a general hospital, the child should definitely see a pediatrician. If the diarrhea is severe, accompanied by moderate to severe dehydration, it is advisable to visit emergency pediatrics for urgent treatment. If going to a children's specialty hospital, it is recommended to see a gastroenterologist; severe cases can also go to emergency pediatrics. Additionally, if there is mucus, pus, or bloody stool, consider bacterial dysentery or other infectious diarrhea, and it is advised to see an infectious disease specialist. Generally, for ordinary diarrhea, it is advisable to visit a smaller hospital for treatment.