No parent wants to see their child in pain and suffering from diarrhea. It can be the most heartbreaking thing to witness. But, unfortunately, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Seeing your child go through tough times can be very difficult, whether from a minor cold or a serious illness.
You can do a few things to help make the situation easier for you and your child. First, try to stay calm. Let them know that you’re there for them and will support them through whatever they’re going through.
It’s never easy to see your child in pain, but by keeping calm and being there for them, you can help them get through it.
In today’s article, let’s explore what you need to know about chronic diarrhea in children. Here’s what you need to know:
Chronic Diarrhea in Children
Chronic diarrhea in children is one of pediatricians’ most common problems. It is defined as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools daily for at least four weeks.
What Causes This?
Many potential causes of chronic diarrhea in children include infections, food allergies, and inflammatory bowel disease. The most common cause, however, is a functional disorder of the gastrointestinal tract.
Functional disorders of the gastrointestinal tract are those in which the normal function of the digestive system is disrupted. They are often the result of a combination of psychological and physiological factors.
The most common functional disorder that causes chronic diarrhea in children is functional abdominal pain syndrome (FAPS). FAPS is a condition in which the child experiences chronic, recurrent abdominal pain that is not caused by any underlying physical or organic disorder.
The exact cause of FAPS is unknown, but it is believed to be the result of a combination of psychological and physiological factors. These may include a history of abuse or trauma, anxiety, depression, and a family history of gastrointestinal disorders.
What to Do When Your Child Has Chronic Diarrhea?
When your child has chronic diarrhea, it can be a real challenge to manage. Here are some tips on what to do when your child has chronic diarrhea:
- Keep a close eye on your child’s hydration levels. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so it’s important to ensure your child gets enough fluids. Offer your child water or other clear fluids frequently throughout the day. You can also give your child Pedialyte or another electrolyte solution to help prevent dehydration.
- Watch for signs of dehydration. Signs of dehydration in children include decreased urination, dry mouth, increased thirst, lethargy, and irritability. If you notice any of these signs, call your child’s doctor.
- Make sure your child is getting enough calories. Diarrhea can also cause weight loss, so it’s essential to ensure your child is getting enough calories. Offer your child high-calorie foods such as nut butter, cheese, yogurt, and cooked eggs.
- Avoid foods that can make diarrhea worse. Some foods that can cause worse diarrhea include dairy products, high-fat foods, spicy foods, and foods that are high in sugar. Talk to your child’s doctor if you need to find out whether a food is likely to make diarrhea worse.
- Keep a diary of your child’s diarrhea. This can help you and your child’s doctor track the diarrhea and identify possible triggers. Be sure to note when the diarrhea started, how often it occurs, and what foods make it worse.
Take Your Child to Urgent Care
When your child has chronic diarrhea, it’s essential to take them to urgent care. While diarrhea is a common problem, chronic diarrhea can signify a more serious underlying condition.
At urgent care, the medical team will be able to assess your child and determine the cause of their chronic diarrhea. They may order tests, such as a stool sample, to rule out infections or other conditions.
If the cause of your child’s chronic diarrhea is unknown, the medical team may recommend a course of treatment to help manage the symptoms. This may include dietary changes, medication, or probiotics.
The Bottom Line
It’s not uncommon for children to have an occasional bout of diarrhea. But it could be a sign of a more serious problem when it lasts more than a few days. If your child has chronic diarrhea, it’s essential to take them to urgent care for evaluation and treatment.
Chronic diarrhea can be a frustrating and worrying condition for parents. However, with the help of urgent care, you can get to the bottom of the problem and get your child the treatment they need.
Your Kid’s Urgent Care offers superior and convenient urgent care pediatric services to all children who enter our offices. Whether you need treatment or pediatric urgent care, we are the best place to go in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Largo, Orlando, FL, Vestavia Hills, AL, and Oviedo. Avoid the hassle of the emergency room if you can help it. And with us, your child’s safety is a priority.
