diarrhea

About Diarrhea and Your Child Your Child's doctor will talk with you about how to care for your child. These are some general guidelines to help prevent dehydration and make your child feel better.

Special fluids called Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) are designed to replace water, salt and nutrients the body loses during bouts of diarrhea. ●

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If your child has a mild case of diarrhea, feed your child as you normally would. But give him or her extra clear fluids after each loose bowel movement. ORS fluids are not usually needed.

If your child’s diarrhea is moderate to severe, in addition to your child’s normal diet, ORS fluids can help prevent your child from not having enough fluids. Check with your child’s doctor about which ORS to buy, how much to give and how long to give them.

You can buy these solutions at your local pharmacy or food store. Some of the most common brands are: ●

Pedialyte®

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Infalyte®

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ReVital®

These products come in a liquid, a powder that must be mixed with water and also in freezer pops and gelatin cups. Less costly store brands are also available.

Usual treatment for babies less than 12 months old: ●

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Continue to breast feed or give your baby full-strength formula. After each loose stool, give your baby extra breast milk, formula or ORS. If your baby is already taking cereal or food, keep giving it to him or her.

©2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.

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About Diarrhea and Your Child

Usual treatment for children over 12 months old: Give your child ORS as advised by your child’s doctor. You may also give other clear fluids in addition to ORS, including: ●

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decaffeinated tea half-strength Gatorade® or Powerade® (Mix 1 part water to 1 part drink.) water or ice chips (give them along with other fluids)

Do not give your child: ●

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High-sugar drinks such as fruit juices, Popsicles®, slushy-type or carbonated drinks. Avoid high-sugar foods such as sweetened cereals and desserts. Large amounts of sugar can often make diarrhea worse.

Red-colored liquids (they can look like blood in the stool).

Foods Bland foods that your child usually eats are best, including: ●

crackers

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toast

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soup broth

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rice

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bread

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mild soups

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mashed potatoes

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bananas

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applesauce

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lean meats

Avoid very spicy or fatty-type foods such as pizza, ice cream and French fries if these cause the diarrhea to become worse. Once the diarrhea has stopped, your child can return to his or her regular diet after a day or two. ©2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.

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About Diarrhea and Your Child

Medicines Do not give your child any over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea unless advised by your doctor.

Keep your child’s skin clear Use extra care to gently wash your child’s bottom or diaper area well with soap and warm water. Use a clean towel to pat it dry. Avoid using throw away diaper wipes. They cause a burning sensation.

If your child’s skin looks red or raw, use a product that contains zinc oxide ointment (such as Desitin® ointment) or petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline®).

This helps protect your baby’s skin by keeping stool away from the skin.

When to call the doctor If your child’s diarrhea continues for more than 2 days, or if your child is also throwing up, he or she could easily become dehydrated. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has any of these signs: ●

no urine in 6 hours – for infants under 12 months no urine in 8 hours –for infants and children over 12 months

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has wrinkled, dry or “pasty” skin

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seems weak or disoriented

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has few or no tears when crying

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is very thirsty

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is less alert than normal or wants to sleep more than normal

keeps throwing up the fluids you give the soft spot on your baby’s head is sunken in

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has dry lips and gums

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does not want to play at all

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takes fast, deep breaths

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has sunken eyes

©2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.

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About Diarrhea and Your Child

Also call your child’s doctor if your child: ●

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has blood or mucus in the stool throws up blood or if the vomit looks like coffee grounds has severe stomach pain is not able to eat his or her normal diet for 2 days without having diarrhea

Also call your child’s doctor if you have any concerns about how your child looks or feels.

Preventing diarrhea caused by germs Dirty hands carry germs. Hand washing is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. ●

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Teach your child how and when to wash his or her hands.

Dispose of dirty diapers and wash your hands after handling them

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Always wash your hands after going to the bathroom.

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Keep toilets, trash cans, and diaper change areas clean.

©2006-13 P&H Assoc., Inc This handout is for information only and is not meant to replace your doctors advice or treatment.

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