Introduction
Diarrhoea in children, also known as infantile diarrhoea, is one of the most common childhood illnesses worldwide. Almost every child experiences diarrhoea several times during infancy and early childhood. While most episodes are mild and self-limiting, diarrhoea can sometimes become severe and life-threatening due to dehydration, especially in infants and young children.
Diarrhoea is characterized by frequent bowel movements (more than four times a day) with loose, watery, foul-smelling stools. The stools may appear green and may contain mucus or undigested food particles, such as curd. In more serious conditions like dysentery, stools may contain blood and mucus.
According to global health data, diarrhoea remains one of the leading causes of illness and death in children under five years of age, particularly in developing countries. However, with proper hydration, feeding, and timely medical care, most children recover completely.
What Is Diarrhoea?
Diarrhoea is a condition in which a child passes abnormally loose or watery stools frequently. It is not a disease by itself but a symptom of an underlying problem, most commonly an infection or dietary imbalance.
Diarrhoea can be:
- Acute (lasting less than 14 days)
- Persistent (lasting 14–28 days)
- Chronic (lasting more than 4 weeks)
Causes of Diarrhoea in Children
1. Infectious Causes
Diarrhoea is most commonly caused by infections, including:
- Viruses (Rotavirus, Norovirus)
- Bacteria (E. coli, Shigella, Salmonella)
- Protozoa (Giardia lamblia, Entamoeba histolytica)
These infections usually spread through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene.
2. Associated Childhood Conditions
Diarrhoea may occur due to infections elsewhere in the body, such as:
- Ear infections (Otitis media)
- Throat or respiratory infections
- Teething (due to increased saliva and mild gut irritation)
- Severe infections like meningitis
3. Dietary Causes
- Excess fat intake
- Excess carbohydrates or sugar
- Lactose intolerance
- Improper dilution of formula milk
- Introduction of unsuitable foods
Symptoms of Diarrhoea
Simple (Mild) Diarrhoea
- Mild fever
- Occasional vomiting
- Irritability
- Restlessness or poor sleep
- 2–10 loose stools per day
- Mild dehydration
- Around 10% body weight loss
Severe Diarrhoea
- Frequent watery stools
- High fever
- Loss of appetite
- Abdominal cramps
- Green stools with bile
- Presence of mucus or blood
- Severe weakness
- Weight loss of 15–25%
- Signs of dehydration
Dehydration: The Most Dangerous Complication
Dehydration occurs when the body loses more water and salts than it takes in. Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller body size.
Common Signs of Dehydration
- Dry mouth and lips
- Sunken eyes
- Reduced or absent urine
- Skin pinch returns slowly (more than 2 seconds)
- Sunken fontanelle (soft spot on head)
- Weak and fast pulse
- Cold hands and feet
- Lethargy or unconsciousness in severe cases
Types of Dehydration
1. Mild Dehydration
- Increased thirst
- Irritability
- Slight weakness
- Child remains alert
2. Moderate Dehydration
- Sunken eyes
- Dry tongue and lips
- Reduced urination
- Skin elasticity reduced
- Depressed fontanelle in infants
3. Severe Dehydration
- Extreme weakness or collapse
- Very little or no urine
- Very fast pulse
- Cold extremities
- Loss of consciousness
⚠️ This is a medical emergency
Common Myths About Diarrhoea
Many parents believe that food, milk, and water should be stopped during diarrhoea, which is incorrect and dangerous.
✅ Continuing feeding and hydration is essential
Stopping food weakens the child and worsens recovery.
Management of Diarrhoea in Children
1. Rehydration – The Most Important Step
Diarrhoea itself is rarely fatal, but dehydration can be deadly.
Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS)
ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) is a scientifically balanced mixture of glucose and electrolytes that replaces lost fluids and minerals.
- Does NOT stop diarrhoea
- Prevents and treats dehydration
- Safe for all age groups
WHO ORS
WHO-recommended ORS contains:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Glucose
It is especially suitable for hot climates like India, where sodium loss is high due to sweating.
Homemade ORS (When Packets Are Unavailable)
Mix:
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- A pinch of salt
- A few drops of lemon
- 100 ml clean drinking water
⚠️ Do not add excess salt or sugar.
How Much ORS to Give?
- Mild diarrhoea: 50 ml per kg body weight
- Moderate dehydration: 75–100 ml per kg
- Give small sips frequently
- Continue even if stools persist
Feeding During Diarrhoea
Recommended Foods
- Breast milk (continue without interruption)
- Diluted cow’s milk
- Curd (yogurt)
- Banana
- Apple
- Rice water
- Lentil water
- Coconut water
Foods to Avoid
- Excess sugar
- Fatty foods
- Aerated drinks
- Very spicy foods
When Is Hospitalization Needed?
Immediate medical care is required if:
- Severe dehydration is present
- Child cannot drink due to vomiting
- Blood in stools
- High fever
- Lethargy or unconsciousness
- Diarrhoea persists beyond 3–5 days
In such cases, intravenous fluids may be required under pediatric supervision.
Role of Medicines
Medicines are not routinely required for simple diarrhoea.
- Antibiotics are used only when bacterial infection is confirmed
- Stool examination helps identify the cause
- Zinc supplementation may be advised by doctors
- Antidiarrhoeal drugs should not be given without medical advice
⚠️ Self-medication, injections, or unnecessary antibiotics can be harmful.
Prevention of Diarrhoea in Children
- Hand washing with soap
- Safe drinking water
- Proper food hygiene
- Breastfeeding
- Clean feeding bottles
- Timely vaccinations (e.g., rotavirus vaccine)
Also read this post :- Causes and treatment of bedwetting in children at night.
Conclusion
Diarrhoea in children is common and usually manageable. The key to saving a child’s life is preventing dehydration through early and adequate fluid replacement. ORS, continued feeding, and careful observation can prevent complications in most cases.
Parents and caregivers should remain calm, act promptly, and seek medical advice when warning signs appear. With correct care, most children recover quickly and completely.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Diarrhoea in Children
Diarrhoea in children is a condition in which a child passes loose or watery stools more than four times a day. It may be caused by infections, poor hygiene, or dietary problems and can lead to dehydration if not treated properly.
The most common causes include viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections, contaminated food or water, teething, ear infections, and dietary imbalance such as excess sugar or fat intake.
Diarrhoea can be dangerous because it causes loss of water and essential salts from the body, leading to dehydration. Severe dehydration can be life-threatening if not treated in time.
Signs include dry mouth, sunken eyes, reduced urination, fast heartbeat, cold hands and feet, sunken fontanelle in infants, weakness, and extreme thirst.
No. Stopping food, milk, or water is a wrong practice. Breast milk, diluted milk, and light foods should be continued to maintain the child’s strength and help recovery.
ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) is a mixture of water, glucose, and essential salts. It does not stop diarrhoea but prevents and treats dehydration, which is the most serious complication.
For mild diarrhoea, about 50 ml per kilogram of body weight should be given. In moderate dehydration, 75–100 ml per kilogram may be required. ORS should be given in small, frequent sips.
Yes. A homemade ORS can be prepared by mixing one teaspoon of sugar, a pinch of salt, and a few drops of lemon juice in clean drinking water. Care should be taken not to add excess salt or sugar.
Immediate medical care is required if the child has severe dehydration, blood in stools, high fever, persistent vomiting, extreme weakness, or if diarrhoea lasts more than 3–5 days.
No. Most cases of diarrhoea are viral and do not require antibiotics. Antibiotics should be given only when prescribed by a pediatrician after proper evaluation.
Breast milk, curd, banana, apple, rice water, lentil water, and coconut water are beneficial. These foods are easy to digest and help restore energy.
Diarrhoea can be prevented by maintaining proper hygiene, washing hands regularly, using clean drinking water, breastfeeding, safe food practices, and timely vaccination.