Source :NEWS18 NEWS
Last Updated:May 19, 2025, 07:14 IST
Diarrhea can leave kids feeling miserable, disrupt family life, and make parents question whether it’s just a minor bug or something that needs closer attention
Diarrhea can either be acute, appearing suddenly and lasting a few days, or chronic, which continues for two weeks or more
Diarrhea is a common concern that brings many parents to the pediatrician’s office—and with good reason. It can leave kids feeling miserable, disrupt family life, and make parents question whether it’s just a minor bug or something that needs closer attention.
Dr. Anjali Saxena, Senior Consultant – General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health Specialist (MBBS, M.D. (Paed.), PGDAP, CAHC, PGDM in Hospital Administration), says, “As a pediatrician, I frequently speak with families trying to understand why their child suddenly has frequent, loose stools. One key thing to remember: not all diarrhea is the same. Recognizing the type and cause can help guide the right care.”
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By definition, diarrhea means having more frequent, watery bowel movements. In babies, this might just look like more dirty diapers than usual. In older kids, it often shows up as an urgent or more frequent need to use the bathroom. Diarrhea can either be acute, appearing suddenly and lasting a few days, or chronic, which continues for two weeks or more. The approach to each type is different. Dr. Saxena explains the distinctions:
Acute diarrhea is the most common and usually clears up on its own. It’s often caused by:
Viral infections like rotavirus
Bacterial infections from spoiled food or contaminated water
Food poisoning from toxins
Sudden changes in diet
Too much juice or sweetened drinks
Antibiotics that upset the gut’s natural balance
Kids with acute diarrhea might also have symptoms like mild fever, stomach pain, tiredness, or vomiting. If your child is otherwise in good spirits, it’s often safe to manage this at home. The main focus should be hydration. Encourage drinking clean water or Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS). Natural options like coconut water, lemon water (nimbu pani), and buttermilk can also help. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas. When it comes to food, offer gentle options such as rice, curd, bananas, toast, or khichdi. Keep breastfeeding or formula feeding going for infants. And give your child time to rest and recover.
Still, there are situations where it’s best to call the doctor. These include:
Very frequent or large-volume stools
Vomiting that doesn’t stop
Blood or mucus in the stool
High fever
Refusal to drink fluids
Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, reduced urination, or unusual sleepiness)
If diarrhea lasts beyond two weeks, it might signal something more than a passing infection. Chronic diarrhea may be linked to:
Food intolerances (like lactose or dairy sensitivity)
Celiac disease (a reaction to gluten)
Ongoing gut issues from infections or stress
Parasites from unclean food or water
Toddler’s diarrhea, a common and harmless condition in young kids
If your child is not growing well, frequently complains of tummy aches, or always seems tired, it’s worth getting a professional opinion.
Doctors may ask about your child’s eating habits and symptoms, and they might order stool or blood tests, suggest trying dietary changes, or refer you to a pediatric specialist. Once the root cause is identified, treatment is often straightforward and effective.
Prevention plays a big role too. Teaching kids to wash their hands, avoid untreated water, limit juice and unhealthy snacks, and skip street food when possible can protect them from many gut infections. Building good hygiene habits early lays the groundwork for better health in the long run.
Most of the time, diarrhea in children is short-lived and manageable. But knowing when to monitor, when to treat at home, and when to seek help can make all the difference. If your child seems more unwell than usual, isn’t drinking or eating properly, or if the symptoms linger beyond a few days, don’t hesitate to contact your doctor. It’s always better to be cautious and get peace of mind early on.
- First Published:
May 19, 2025, 07:14 IST
SOURCE : NEWS 18
