Diarrhea in children - diet

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For most children, any fluid they normally drink should be enough. Too much water alone, at any age, can be harmful, because water does not have any sugars or important electrolytes, such as sodium.

Rehydration solutions include Rehydralyte and the World Health Organization’s oral rehydration solution. Other products, such as Pedialyte and Infalyte, may help keep a child properly hydrated and prevent dehydration. Some of these solutions are available at the supermarket or pharmacy and do not need a prescription. However, you should consult your doctor before using them in infants.

Popsicles or Jell-o can be excellent sources of clear fluids, especially if the child is vomiting. You can get large amounts of fluids into the child slowly this way, and avoid overfilling the stomach. This is especially important if the stomach is already irritated by an infection.

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For most children, drinking more fluids is enough, but occasionally it is necessary to give fluids through a vein (by IV). Fluids given by IV correct dehydration faster than those given by mouth.

CONTACT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IF:

• Your child is much less active than normal (not sitting up at all or looking around)
• Diarrhea contains blood or mucus
• Diarrhea develops within 1 week of travel outside of the United States, or after a camping trip (the diarrhea may be due to bacteria or parasites that require treatment)
• Diarrhea is accompanied by multiple vomiting episodes, fever, or abdominal cramping
• Diarrhea is severe, or lasts longer than 2 to 3 days
• Diarrhea keeps returning, or the child is losing weight
• The child has signs of dehydration (call immediately):
  • Dry and sticky mouth
  • Has not urinated for 6 hours
  • No tears when crying
  • Sunken eyes

Your doctor may prescribe medication to help control the diarrhea. Call your doctor before using over-the-counter medications for diarrhea, because they may be either ineffective or potentially dangerous.

Review Date: 11/02/2009
Reviewed By: Neil K. Kaneshiro, MD, MHA, Clinical Assistant Professor of Pediatrics, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).