Pediatric diarrhea is divided into two main categories.

Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
Updated on February 24, 2025
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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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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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Treatment methods for childhood diarrhea

Firstly, it is important to pay attention to the baby’s response and the condition of their urination. If the baby shows poor spirit response and less urination, it often indicates dehydration, which can be mild, moderate, or severe. Generally, mild to moderate dehydration can be treated with oral rehydration solutions, which include electrolytes replenishment. However, in cases of severe dehydration, which may suggest hypovolemic shock, emergency intravenous fluids are necessary to expand blood volume, and it is crucial to go to the hospital promptly. Additionally, oral probiotics like bifidobacteria can be administered to regulate the intestinal flora. Montmorillonite powder can also be given to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa and stop diarrhea. If bacterial infection is suspected to be the cause of diarrhea, appropriate antibiotics should be used to treat the infection, which can be administered orally or intravenously depending on the severity of the infection. Meanwhile, the baby's urination, spirit response, skin elasticity, and symptoms of dry mouth should be closely monitored to comprehensively evaluate the treatment effectiveness.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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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.

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Written by Li Jiao Yan
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Can children with diarrhea eat carrots?

Childhood diarrhea occurs due to disturbances in gastrointestinal function, leading to abnormal nutrient absorption and subsequently an increase in the frequency and changes in the nature of bowel movements. When children experience diarrhea, their diet should be adjusted to light, easily digestible liquid or semi-liquid food. It's also important to eat less food that is high in fiber, as rough fiber can promote intestinal peristalsis and may exacerbate the frequency of bowel movements. Carrots, being high in beta-carotene and plant fibers, also enhance gastrointestinal motility. Therefore, it is better for children with diarrhea to consume fewer carrots.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
Pediatrics
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What are the symptoms of diarrhea in children?

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 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.