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Fever | Ear Infection | Vomiting | Diarhhea | Cold | Cough | Bronchiolitis
What is Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is repeated, loose (often watery) stools. It is most often caused by a viral infection in the intestines. Diarrhea may also be accompanied by fever, stomach cramps and vomiting. While most cases of diarrhea improve within a few days, they may sometimes last for up to two weeks.

While diarrhea occurs most commonly in the late winter or during the summer, it may occur at any time of the year.

MYTHS

One or two loose stools a day, although they may be due to illness, do not need any special treatment. This will generally clear up on its own.

Although anti-diarrhea medicines (Pepto-Bismol, Imodium, etc) may slow diarrhea, they might also make the infection last longer.

Pedialyte will not stop diarrhea. It is only meant to replace fluids the body has lost. In addition to your child's normal diet, Pedialyte may be used for 6 hours in most cases to prevent dehydration, and up to 24 hours total.

TREATMENT

Diarrhea in infants (less than one year old) 

Breastfed infants
  • Continue breastfeeding at more frequent intervals. 
  • Offer Pedialyte between feedings if less urine is seen.

Formula fed infants

  • Begin Pedialyte for excessive watery diarrhea. (Not needed if only 3 or fewer stools in a day.)
  • May continue to use Pedialyte for up to 24 hours, if diarrhea persists.
  • Let your child drink as much as she wishes.
  • Do not force fluids if you child is not thirsty.
  • Full strength formula is fine for most diarrhea. One-half strength formula should never be used for more than 24 hours.
  • Return to normal formula once the number of watery stools decreases.
  • Regular formula is fine for average diarrhea. Your pediatrician may recommend additional formulas.
  • Infants over 4 months old may continue solids as appropriate for age.

Diarrhea in older children (over 1 year of age)

  • Continue normal diet as tolerated.
  • Offer clear fluids, but do not force fluids if your child is not thirsty.
  • Increase starchy foods (bread, dry cereal, noodles, applesauce, bananas, pretzels).
  • Pedialyte is rarely needed unless diarrhea is frequent and watery.
  • Return to a normal diet as soon as you are able.

The goal of treatment is to return to a normal diet as soon as possible. Please remember to offer fluids to your child, but do not push fluids on your child. Continuing to force fluids on your child will often make diarrhea last longer.

We do not recommend medication to stop diarrhea. Medication may cause side effects and does not speed recovery. Acetaminophen, however, may be given for a fever.

When to Call Us

(716) 691-3400 -Tonawanda Office
(716) 775-3400 -Grand Island Office

Please remember that our office is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Call immediately if:

  • your child is less than 2 months of age, and has more than 3 watery stools
  • there is blood in the stool
  • there is no urine in 12 hours
  • there is severe abdominal pain for more than 4 hours
  • your child is very weak and limp

Call during regular business hours if:

  • the diarrhea lasts more than 1 week
  • there is mucous or pus in the stool
  • stomach cramps last more that 1 day
  • your child is on any medication that may cause diarrhea (antibiotics)

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