aboutABOUT
symptomsSYMPTOMS
treatmentTREATMENT
diagnosisCOST

Diarrhea is a condition that affects most children at some point in their lives. Although it is typically a common condition, that clears within a few days, if a child has a more severe case of diarrhea, that is left untreated, this can cause long-term health problems.

Diarrhea can also lead to dehydration, which can cause serious complications and even death in extreme cases.

It is therefore important for parents to understand these conditions, and to know what signs to look out for and when it is necessary to seek out urgent medical care for their child.

If you need more information on this illness or are unsure whether your child is suffering from diarrhea and need advice on what to do, please contact Night Lite Pediatrics directly.

What is diarrhea?

Diarrhea is defined as having frequent bowel movements that are loose or watery in a 24-hour period. It is a common symptom of many digestive disorders.

It can range in severity from mild to severe and can be caused by various factors such as food poisoning, allergies, a virus, infection or other illnesses. It is usually accompanied by abdominal cramps and a feeling of urgency to defecate.

Other common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and a general feeling of weakness. Diarrhea can also be caused by certain medications or by a change in diet. Diarrhea can be dangerous if left untreated, leading to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.

It can also be a sign of a more serious medical condition. If your child is experiencing persistent diarrhea, it is important to seek urgent care as soon as possible.

diarrhea treatment for toddler Night Lite Pediatrics

Common causes of diarrhea in children?

There are many possible causes of diarrhea in children, including infections, food intolerances, and underlying illnesses:

  • Food Intolerance – certain foods, such as dairy products, wheat, or soy, can cause irritable bowel syndrome diarrhea in kids.
  • Infections – viral, bacterial, and parasitic infections are the most common causes of diarrhea in children. These infections can come from contaminated food or water, contact with an infected person, or contact with animals.
  • Stress – such as a new school year, a move, or the death of a loved one, can cause diarrhea in kids.
  • Medications – such as antibiotics and antacids, can cause diarrhea in kids.
  • Allergies – specific foods or other allergens can cause diarrhea in kids.

Symptoms of diarrhea in children

There are several common symptoms of diarrhea children experience, some of which include:

  • loose or watery stools
  • abdominal cramping or pain
  • bloating
  • urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • nausea
  • fever
  • loss of appetite, or normal eating habits
  • Dehydration – indicated by decreased urination, dry mouth, and dizziness
  • vomiting
  • weight loss
  • tiredness or fatigue

Complications of diarrhea in infants

If a child is suffering from severe diarrhea and left untreated,  the following complications may occur:

  • Dehydration: This can happen when children lose too much fluid from diarrhea and become dehydrated. Symptoms of dehydration include thirst, dark-colored urine, dry mouth, fatigue, and dizziness.
  • Malnutrition: Diarrhea can cause children to lose important nutrients, leading to malnutrition. This can result in poor development and growth, as well as weakened immunity.
  • Electrolyte imbalances: Diarrhea can cause electrolyte imbalances, such as low blood sodium or potassium, that can be serious and even life-threatening.
  • Weight loss: Frequent diarrhea can lead to significant weight loss in children.
  • Infection: Diarrhea can be caused by a bacterial or viral infection. If left untreated, these infections can spread to other parts of the body, leading to serious illness or even death.
  • Intestinal blockage: Diarrhea can sometimes cause an intestinal blockage. This can cause severe abdominal pain and require surgery.

Diarrhea treatment
for kids

Diarrhea treatment for kids, babies and toddlers is generally similar. The most important part of medical treatments for diarrhea in infants is ensuring they drink fluids to prevent dehydration. Oral rehydration solutions are available over-the-counter and can help replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

If your infant is vomiting, it’s important to wait at least one hour before giving them any fluids.

For infants with mild cases of diarrhea, it’s important to make sure they are getting enough nutrition to prevent malnutrition. Toddlers and older kids can try to eat small meals consisting of bland foods. 

Breastfeeding or formula feeding is recommended for babies up to 6 months old, while solid foods are recommended for older infants.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend antibiotics or other medications to treat the underlying cause of diarrhea.

diarrhea treatment for kids Night Lite Pediatrics

What is the cost of pediatric diarrhea treatment?

The treatment costs for pediatric diarrhea will depend on a number of factors, including the cause, if further tests are required, the severity of the case and the decided-upon treatment plan.

We also accept most major medical health insurance policies and self-pay options.

Urgent Care near me for pediatric diarrhea

Our clinics are open seven days a week, accommodating walk-ins and suggested arrival times. You can contact us at any of our 13 Florida locations listed below:

How to book an appointment

FAQs

Below you can find a list of common questions and answers regarding pediatric diarrhea.

If your baby has had diarrhea for more than 24 hours, or if they are showing other signs of illness such as fever, vomiting, or abdominal pain, you should take them to urgent care.

You should also take your baby to urgent care if they are not drinking enough fluids, or if their diarrhea contains blood or mucus.

To keep your child well hydrated if they have diarrhea, you can give them low-fat milk,  watered-down fruit juice or sports drinks with electrolytes.

If your child is able to eat, offer them light, bland foods such as toast, crackers, white rice cereals, boiled potatoes, turkey, cooked eggs, bananas, applesauce, green leafy vegetables or yogurt.

Avoid giving them processed or fast foods, fried foods, greasy foods, spicy or salty foods, or sugary foods, such as syrup-cooked vegetables, as these may worsen diarrhea.

Children should avoid drinking dairy products; they typically end up making diarrhea worse.

This information is not intended to be used for diagnosis or treatment. It is aimed at presenting a perspective only and is not a substitute for a prescription. Anyone experiencing a medical condition should consult their doctor.

STAY IN THE KNOW

Keep me updated with news and knowledge
from Night Lite Pediatrics Urgent Care