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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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What are some medicines for pediatric diarrhea?

Pediatric diarrhea primarily refers to changes in the frequency and characteristics of stool due to various causes. Active treatment is necessary for pediatric diarrhea, starting with infection control as the initial step in pharmacological treatment. If the diarrhea is confirmed to be caused by a bacterial infection, antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a hospital physician. Secondly, treatment of the intestinal microecosystem is essential, commonly involving the administration of probiotics to children to help restore the ecological balance of normal intestinal flora, inhibiting the colonization and invasion of various pathogens, thus treating the diarrhea. Additionally, intestinal mucosal protectants, such as commonly used smectite powder, can enhance the barrier functions of the intestine to prevent pathogenic microorganisms from attacking the intestine and intestinal mucosa. Another treatment is anti-secretory therapy, frequently using racemic cadozetrack, along with zinc supplementation. Zinc supplements should be given to children with acute diarrhea to promote the repair of intestinal mucosa and prevent future mucosal damage, which can lead to acute diarrhea.

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Pediatrics
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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.

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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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Pediatrics
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What causes diarrhea and fever in children?

If a child has diarrhea accompanied by fever, it is generally considered to be infectious diarrhea, which includes both bacterial and viral infections. Common viral gastroenteritis is caused by rotavirus infection. Rotavirus infects the intestines, which can cause fever, vomiting, and diarrhea with frequent stooling, characterized by egg-flower or watery stools, and may also be accompanied by symptoms such as dry mouth and scanty urination. The treatment mainly focuses on fluid replenishment and symptomatic supportive care. There is also bacterial gastroenteritis, such as colitis caused by Escherichia coli infection and bacillary dysentery caused by Shigella infection, which can present with fever, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and bloody stools.

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

Children's diarrhea can be divided into viral diarrhea and bacterial enteritis. Viral diarrhea, most commonly rotavirus enteritis, follows a specific disease course, where most cases gradually recover after 5-7 days with rehydration and symptomatic treatment. If it is bacterial enteritis, effective anti-infection treatment with sensitive antibiotics can also control the symptoms within 5-7 days. Additionally, some diarrheas caused by bacterial dysentery generally require 7-14 days of treatment, and fungal enteritis also typically needs one to two weeks of treatment.