What are the common causes of diarrhea in children?

Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

Updated on January 12, 2025

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Some common causes of childhood diarrhea include infectious and non-infectious diarrhea. Causes of infectious diarrhea include bacteria, viruses, amoebic dysentery, etc. Common viruses such as rotavirus, norovirus, etc. Common bacterial infections include Escherichia coli, Shigella, and other bacteria. Additionally, intestinal amoebic pathogens can also cause diarrhea. Some causes of non-infectious diarrhea include lactose intolerance and food allergies, among others.

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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

46sec

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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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Written by Yan Xin Liang

Pediatrics

1min

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What should children with diarrhea not eat?

Children's diarrhea can be classified into infectious and non-infectious types. Generally, if it is infectious diarrhea, it is crucial to provide a light and easily digestible diet. If the infant is breastfed, continue breastfeeding, but the mother's diet should also be light and easily digestible. If the child is formula-fed, you can feed them diarrhea-specific formula and gradually add some supplementary foods such as thin porridge, noodles, and fruit juice. However, greasy and hard-to-digest foods should be avoided as much as possible, and this applies to older children as well; they also should not consume fatty and spicy foods. Additionally, foods that are hard to digest should be avoided to aid in the recovery of the condition. If it is non-infectious diarrhea, for example, caused by allergies to milk or eggs, avoid consuming these allergenic foods. In cases of lactose intolerance causing diarrhea, avoid lactose-containing milk powder; switch to diarrhea-specific formula instead.

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Written by Yao Li Qin

Pediatrics

1min 15sec

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What is a good medicine for children's diarrhea?

An increase in the frequency of bowel movements in children, accompanied by a change in stool characteristics, indicates diarrhea. When a child has diarrhea, the first step should be to test a stool routine to determine whether it is infectious diarrhea or non-infectious diarrhea. In cases of infectious diarrhea, antibiotics should be used under the guidance of a hospital doctor. If the diarrhea is caused by indigestion or rotavirus infection, symptomatic treatment is generally used. Firstly, feeding should continue. For children with watery stools, we should give them oral mucosal protectants, probiotics, and oral rehydration salts. For those with prolonged diarrhea, specifically diagnosed as caused by rotavirus infection, children should be supplemented with zinc for a period, as zinc can promote the repair of intestinal mucosal damage. This means that it can speed up the improvement of diarrhea, while also preventing the recurrence of diarrhea symptoms. (The use of medications should be conducted under the guidance of a professional doctor.)

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Written by Li Jiao Yan

Neonatology

50sec

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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

44sec

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How should pediatric diarrhea be treated?

For childhood diarrhea, initially probiotics can be administered to adjust the intestinal flora, commonly used probiotics include Bifidobacterium or Lactobacillus acidophilus. Next, it's important to protect the gastrointestinal mucosa, for which oral smectite powder can be given. Additionally, diarrhea can easily damage the gastrointestinal mucosa, so it's appropriate to supplement with zinc or folic acid to promote the repair of the gastrointestinal mucosa. It is also important to ensure fluid replenishment to maintain hydroelectrolytic balance, commonly using oral rehydration salts which can replenish both fluids and electrolytes. Attention should also be paid to the child’s mental response and urinary output.