Clinical manifestations of childhood diarrhea

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Pediatric diarrhea is caused by a variety of pathogens and factors, characterized by an increase in the frequency of bowel movements and changes in the characteristics of stools. It is one of the most common diseases in infants and young children in China, with a high incidence in infants and young children from six months to two years old, half of which are under one year old. It is one of the main causes of malnutrition and growth and development disorders in children. Diarrhea has some common manifestations, including loss of appetite, occasional regurgitation or vomiting, increased frequency of bowel movements, watery or thin stools that are yellow or yellow-green, some with a sour smell. In severe cases of diarrhea, it is important to check for dehydration and electrolyte disorders, as well as symptoms of systemic infection and intoxication, such as fever, irritability or lethargy, drowsiness, pale complexion, and even coma and shock.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Clinical manifestations of pediatric diarrhea

Childhood diarrhea is caused by a variety of pathogens and factors, characterized primarily by diarrhea. Key features include increased stool frequency and changes in stool characteristics, possibly accompanied by fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, and varying degrees of electrolyte and acid-base imbalances. The pathogens involved can be viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, etc. Additionally, factors like the misuse of antibiotics leading to intestinal flora imbalance, improper feeding, and getting chilled can also cause it. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe diarrhea. Generally, mild diarrhea primarily involves gastrointestinal symptoms and may accompany vomiting or poor appetite, with increased stool frequency and changes in stool characteristics, but no significant dehydration or systemic acidosis, usually recovering within a few days. Severe diarrhea is often an acute condition that can develop from mild diarrhea, presenting more severe gastrointestinal symptoms as well as noticeable dehydration, electrolyte imbalances, and systemic toxicity symptoms such as fever, lethargy, drowsiness, and shock.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
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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.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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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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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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Clinical manifestations of childhood diarrhea

Childhood diarrhea is caused by various factors that increase the frequency of bowel movements in children and also change the characteristics of the stool. The common clinical manifestations of childhood diarrhea are primarily gastrointestinal symptoms. The child may experience poor appetite, spitting up milk and vomiting, and an increased frequency of bowel movements. However, the volume of stool in mild cases is not too large, appearing thin or watery, and is yellow or yellow-green in color with a sour smell. Most cases of diarrhea without dehydration or systemic poisoning recover within a few days. In more severe cases of diarrhea, where the child experiences an increased frequency of bowel movements and the stools are watery, there can also be significant dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and symptoms of systemic infection. These mainly manifest as either fever or lack of fever increase, irritability or lethargy and drowsiness, pale complexion, confused consciousness, and even fainting, shock symptoms.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Can children with diarrhea eat mangoes?

When a child has diarrhea, it is essential for the diet to be light and easy to digest. If the child is breastfed, the mother's diet should also be light and easy to digest. If the child is fed with cow's milk, consider temporarily switching to a special formula for diarrhea. When introducing solid foods, provide items that are easy to digest, such as thin porridge, noodles, or rice mush. Mangoes, being tropical fruits, tend to be cooling and should be avoided during diarrhea. Mangoes are rich in proteins and can also trigger allergies in some babies. Therefore, children who are allergic should not eat mangoes. Wait until the diarrhea has resolved before considering introducing mangoes.