What causes diarrhea and fever in children?

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on January 16, 2025
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
50sec home-news-image

What formula should a child with diarrhea eat?

When a child experiences diarrhea, it indicates that there is an abnormality in their gastrointestinal function, and their ability to absorb nutrients is significantly weakened. If the child is fed ordinary formula, it might overburden their stomach and intestines, making digestion difficult and possibly exacerbating the diarrhea symptoms. Therefore, when a child has diarrhea, it is advisable to choose foods or formulas that are easy to digest. During periods of diarrhea, it is generally recommended for children to consume a special formula designed for infants with diarrhea. This formula is easier to absorb and helps in the digestion and absorption of nutrients, making it suitable for children with diarrhea.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jiao Yan
Neonatology
35sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
48sec home-news-image

Children's diarrhea is divided into two major categories.

Childhood diarrhea is categorized into infectious and non-infectious diarrhea. Common infectious diarrhea is caused by infections from bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Non-infectious diarrhea often includes allergic diarrhea, diarrhea caused by food intolerance, and diarrhea due to lactose intolerance. Less commonly, some malignant diseases can cause gastrointestinal dysfunction leading to diarrhea. Among children, infectious diarrhea is more prevalent, especially viral diarrhea caused by rotavirus during the summer and autumn seasons. Additionally, bacterial infections such as those caused by Escherichia coli and Shigella (bacterial dysentery), often related to poor hand hygiene, are examples of infectious diarrhea.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
35sec home-news-image

What medicine should a child take for indigestion and diarrhea?

For childhood indigestion and diarrhea, one can initially use intestinal probiotics to modulate the gut flora, such as Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus. Additionally, zinc supplementation can be provided to promote the repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Another option is to administer Smecta to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. Digestive medications can also be given, such as Chinese medicinal herbs like hawthorn, Shenqu, and malt to aid digestion. Furthermore, it is important to ensure the diet consists of easily digestible foods.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
57sec home-news-image

What are the treatment methods for infectious diarrhea in children?

For infectious diarrhea in children, it is first important to determine if the cause is viral or bacterial. In general, rehydration should be provided first to prevent dehydration; oral rehydration salts are commonly used to prevent dehydration and replenish electrolytes. Additionally, probiotics can be given to regulate the gut flora, commonly including bifidobacteria. Another option is to administer smectite powder to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is also appropriate to supplement zinc and folic acid to promote the repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa. If a bacterial infection is suspected, sensitive antibiotics can be administered, commonly cephalosporins or penicillins for anti-infection treatment. If a viral infection is considered to be causing the diarrhea, some antiviral medications can be added to the treatment. Pay attention to the baby’s mental response and urination situation.