What causes diarrhea and fever in children?

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

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

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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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 Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
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What can children eat when they have diarrhea?

Childhood diarrhea is a manifestation of acute gastroenteritis. During this process, his digestive function will definitely be affected, so it is important to pay attention to diet. Provide light and easy-to-digest foods. If breastfeeding, the mother's diet should also include light and easy-to-digest foods. For babies fed with formula, we can use diarrhea-specific formula, and supplementary foods such as rice porridge and noodles can be added. Avoid greasy, spicy, and irritating foods. It is appropriate to add vegetables, but do not orally administer sugary foods, including sugars, biscuits, etc., as these are not suitable for the baby.

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Written by Yao Li Qin
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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.