Diarrhea is frequent loose or soft stools, usually 3 or more times per day. Diarrhea is not actually a disease but, a symptoms of an underlying illness. Almost everyone experiences diarrhea at some time during their life and, it is especially common in children. While it is rarely life threatening usually improves with time and supportive measures, it is important to understand when to seek further evaluation.
Causes:
Viral gastroenteritis (also referred to as “stomach flu”) is a common illness that causes diarrhea and, often includes nausea and vomiting. Rotavirus commonly causes diarrhea in the spring and winter months. Other viruses include Cocksackie virus and Norovirus. Diarrhea usually begins 12 hours to 5 days after exposure and resolves without 3 to 7 days. Fevers can develop.
Bacterial causes of diarrhea include E. Coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter and Shigella. These are often associated with “food poisoning”. Diarrhea often begins within a few hours after being infected. Other signs of bacterial causes include fevers, bloody diarrhea and, diarrhea with thick mucous.
Parasitic infections causing diarrhea include giardia and cryptosporidium. These infections are associated with unsafe drinking water, contaminated pools, or travel to underdeveloped countries.
Other causes of diarrhea include: intestinal, lactose intolerance, high-sugar diets and food allergies. Antibiotics can also cause temporary diarrhea from reducing the healthy bacteria within the intestines. Some antibiotics can cause significant diarrhea such as clostridium difficile which, requires specific antibiotic treatment.
Testing:
Most causes of diarrhea can often be identified by history and physical exam, without specific testing.
Sometimes, a stool sample can be sent to a lab for analysis to determine the exact cause of the diarrhea and ensure proper treatment
Medications:
Most causes of diarrhea resolve with time and without antibiotics although. Parasite infections will always need anti-parasitic medications.
Anti-diarrheal medications are usually not recommended as these may worsen some types of diarrhea and, might also mask worsening symptoms and delay treatment.
Supportive Treatment:
Hydration is best achieved by oral rehydration solutions contain glucose and electrolytes in proportion to optimize hydration. These are available at most grocery stores and both brand names and generic solutions are effective. Water alone does not contain the right mixture of electrolytes and other important mineral and nutrients. Avoid sugary drinks. If giving fruit juice, dilute half-strength with water.
No need to restrict diet. Complex carbohydrates (rice, wheat, potatoes and bread), lean meats, yogurt, fruit and vegetables are beneficial. Avoid high-fat foods as they are difficult to absorb.
Provide food and drinks in smaller, more frequent volumes to reduce risk of vomiting.
Probiotics (healthy bacteria) can reduce duration of diarrhea.
When to seek medical evaluation:
Bloody diarrhea
Moderate to severe dehydration (lack of tears when crying, dry mouth, and sunken eyes)
Abdominal pain that comes and goes or, is severe
Behavioral changes, such as lethargy or decreased responsiveness.
Intense, repeated vomiting or projectile vomiting
Prevention:
As always, wash your hands well with soap and water to prevent spreading germs that cause diarrhea!
https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/diarrhea.html