DIARRHEA

DIARRHEA
Diarrhea is the sudden increase in frequency and looseness of stools. Diarrhea is usually caused by a viral infection but rarely can be caused by a bacterial infection or food poisoning.

Diarrhea usually lasts from several days to 1 week. The main complication from diarrhea is dehydration. There are many measures you can take to help prevent this.

Bottle Fed Babies:
-Continue your baby's usual formula. With frequent loose stools, add an oral rehydration solution (Pedialyte for example) in between their usual bottles.
-Some babies do better on a soy formula during periods of prolonged diarrhea.
-If your child takes solids, encourage foods that are high in starch such as rice cereal, bananas, mashed potatoes, applesauce, pasta and bread.

Breast Fed Babies:
-Continue to breast feed but increase the frequency. Breastfeeding should never be stopped for diarrhea.
-If there is a decrease in urine, give an oral rehydration solution in between breastfeeding.
-See above for solid foods.

Children over 1 year:
-Starchy foods are the food of choice with diarrhea. These foods are easily digested. Types of starchy foods are: rice, bread, noodles, mashed potatoes, carrots applesauce, and bananas.
-Encourage increased fluid intake. Water is best but 1/2 strength white grape juice is good also. Other juices should be avoided.

Call your provider if:
-There is any blood in the diarrhea.
-Your child has no urine in 8 hours or more.
-Your child has more than 8 bowel movements in 8 hours or less.
-Your child starts acting very sick.
-Your child has diarrhea more than 1 week.

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional care.
You should consult your own physician or other health care provider for specific advice and treatment,
which advice and treatment will be based upon your individual facts and circumstances.