If your child has the following symptoms, call the doctor:
Bloody stools
Black stools
Stools have pus or mucus in them
High fever
Extreme dehydration
What are signs of dehydration?
Thirst
Weakness
Feeling tired or faint
Dark colored urine
Dry skin
Dry mouth
No tears when crying
Sunken cheeks or eyes
Irritability
No wet diapers for 4-6 hours or more
Is it contagious?
Yes. Depending on its cause, chronic diarrhea can be contagious.
Infection can be spread in food and water.
It can be spread by close contact with an infected person.
Pets can sometimes spread infection.
How is it treated?
The doctor will try to find out what is causing it.
The doctor will need to know your child's symptoms and medical history.
The doctor may need to takes tests.
Some cases can be treated with antibiotics.
Other cases may require surgery.
Take steps to prevent dehydration.
Give your child an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte or Oralyte.
These can be bought at the store without a prescription.
Avoid caffeine, soft drinks, and too many sports drinks.
Talk to your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medicines.
How long does it last?
It may last a few days. This is called acute diarrhea.
Chronic diarrhea lasts for more than 2 weeks.
Can it be prevented?
Wash hands often, especially after using the restroom or before touching
food.
Wash hands often if you are around an infected person.
Wash your hands after playing with animals.
Keep the kitchen clean, especially when preparing raw meat, eggs, and poultry.
Avoid eating undercooked (pink) meat.
Put leftovers in the refrigerator right away.
Avoid drinking from streams or lakes.
Drink clean or purified water when traveling. Even using ice or brushing
your teeth with dirty water can cause infection. Bottled water is generally
safe.
Be careful when buying food from street vendors when traveling. Avoid eating
milk products, fish, and meat that is not hot when served.
When should I call the doctor?
If your child has extreme or very painful symptoms, call the doctor.
Call your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medicines.
Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Quick Answers
Chronic diarrhea is a common childhood condition.
It can be caused by infection, illness, medication, food, or allergies.
Children in daycare and students living in college dorms are at high risk.
Symptoms include stomach cramps, fever, loss of appetite, and dehydration.
Signs of dehydration include thirst, weakness, dark colored urine, and dry
skin.
Chronic diarrhea can sometimes be contagious.
Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.
Chronic diarrhea lasts for more than 2 weeks.
To prevent infection, wash your hands often and avoid dirty food and water.
Call your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medications.
References
CDC. Fact Sheet: Chronic Diarrhea. 1999 August 15 (cited 2002 February 14).
URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/diarrhea/factsht_chronic_diarrhea.htm
Lamprecht, C. Teens Health: Gastrointestinal Infections and Diarrhea. KidsHealth.
2000 November (cited 2002 February 14). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/infections/intestinal/diarrhea.html
NIDDK. Diarrhea. 1999 January (cited 2002 February 14). NIH. URL: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/diarrhea/diarrhea.htm
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