Kids and The Runs: 10 Facts About Diarrhea

Diarrhea sucks. It sucks when you, as an adult, gets it. Now imagine, when your kid who can’t really communicate to you gets it. No doubt, at some point, your kid will get diarrhea and rest assured, your suspicions will be correct. It will suck for you and it will suck for them.

Here’s what you need to know when your kid gets the runs.

— Experts say that when diarrhea strikes, it seems like everyone involved has a different concern. Parents tend to worry about the kid’s lost of appetite, doctors are concerned about dehydration, and kids just care about the mad diaper rash they have. Listen to the doctor: dehydration associated with diarrhea kills 3 million kids a year in the world. Keeping your kids hydrated should be your main mission.

— Most illnesses that cause diarrhea are caused by a virus. But bacteria or a parasite can also cause bouts.

— Food allergies can also cause diarrhea. My son is allergic to milk, and when he accidently eats some, he gets diarrhea for an entire week. (More on my son and his milk allergy in an upcoming article)

— Surprisingly enough, if your kid drinks too much fruit juice, that can cause diarrhea too. They probably shouldn’t be drinking that much sugar anyways.

— Don’t be surprised if the diarrhea starts and stops within a couple week’s period. Bouts caused by viruses typically do that.

— If your kid is being breast fed while having diarrhea, do not stop feeding him. You can supplement a thirsty nursing baby with something like Pedialyte. If your kid is on formula, doctors recommend substituting a soy-based formula as it contains a fiber that can slow down that pesky stool.

— If your kid is on solids, doctors suggest the BRAT diet. BRAT stands for Bananas, rice, apple sauce, and dry toast. A steady diet of these four foods will help in recovery.

— Tiny specks of blood may be possible. Any more than that  or red poodad that looks like jelly is a major problem. Call your doctor asap.

— Your kid will have severe cases of diaper rash with diarrhea. This is because poodad contains some enzymes that digest food. When that poodad passes through quicker, it keeps more of the enzymes and it eats away at the skin. Make sure you change often and try to rinse the butt with water not wipes. Using some diaper rash ointment is a must too.

— If your kid has diarrhea longer than a week or has more than 72 hours of fever, call the pediatrician immediately. Diarrhea could be an indication of something more serious.

Hang in there noodads. Diarrhea really is a pain in the ass. Just remember:
1. Don’t worry if they don’t eat as long as they drink
2. Change diapers often
3. Call the doctor if it lasts longer than a week or your kid is acting otherwise sick (Lethargic, difficult to engage)