How many days will it take for a child's diarrhea to get better?

Written by Quan Xiang Mei
Pediatrics
Updated on March 31, 2025
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The duration of diarrhea depends on the child's condition, whether it is physiological or pathological diarrhea. For physiological diarrhea in children, which is mostly due to dietary reasons, adjusting the structure of the diet can usually bring improvement. However, physiological diarrhea is not easy to resolve and can sometimes persist for months. If it is pathological diarrhea, it is necessary to identify whether it is caused by bacteria, viruses, or other specific diseases. In such cases, the first step is to perform a stool test on the infant. This involves collecting the child's stool in a clean container and bringing it to the hospital for examination within an hour to determine the cause, which will then guide further targeted medication adjustments. The duration of the illness will depend on the type of pathogen infecting the child.

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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.

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Can children with diarrhea eat eggs?

In cases of diarrhea in children, we must pay attention to their diet. Since diarrhea itself is inflammation of the intestines, digestive function is definitely impaired, and the activity of digestive enzymes will also decrease. Under these circumstances, it is essential to provide a bland and easily digestible diet. If the diarrhea persists for a long time, it is best to feed with diarrhea-specific formula. Eggs are relatively difficult to digest, and in cases of diarrhea, they should be avoided as much as possible. Eating eggs can increase the burden on the gastrointestinal tract, hinder digestion and absorption, and is not conducive to the recovery of the condition. Thus, it is advisable to avoid consuming eggs when experiencing diarrhea.

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Can children with diarrhea eat grapes?

Pediatric diarrhea is a digestive syndrome characterized by an increased number of bowel movements and a change in the nature of stools, caused by multiple pathogens and factors. When a child has diarrhea, his gastrointestinal function is weak, and the absorption of nutrients is significantly reduced compared to normal. There is also significant intestinal dysfunction or clear intestinal infections causing the diarrhea. Grapes have a notable effect in promoting digestion; however, if a child with weak spleen and stomach functions consumes grapes, it could potentially worsen the situation by increasing the frequency of bowel movements. Therefore, it is advisable to minimize grape consumption in children with diarrhea.

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Pediatric diarrhea is divided into two main categories.

Childhood diarrhea can be divided into two major categories based on its causes: infectious and non-infectious. Infectious factors primarily include viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, among which viral and bacterial infections are most common. Viral infections are mainly seen in rotavirus infections, while bacterial infections are predominantly associated with pathogenic, invasive, toxigenic, and hemorrhagic strains of Escherichia coli. Additionally, infections from other bacteria such as Campylobacter jejuni and Salmonella also occur. Intestinal infections can also cause diarrhea, such as those accompanying upper respiratory tract infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, etc., because the toxins released by the infecting agents during fevers or diarrhea associated with antibiotic treatments can induce diarrhea. Non-infectious causes mainly include dietary and climatic factors.

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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.