Remedies For Toddler Diarrhea

Jane — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 12:56:08 +0000

If you have children you likely know how frustrating and inconvenient it is to deal with a toddlers diarrhea. Not only can this cause a great mess to clean up even if your child is still wearing a diaper, but can often come at an inopportune time, such as in the beginning stages of potty training. If you are trying to toilet train your child and they have diarrhea you’ll likely face the decision of whether or not to continue potty training, or to forgo it because it will be near impossible for them to hold it long enough to get to the bathroom in time. We’ll go over what causes it, and what remedies for toddler diarrhea you can try.

Toddler Diarrhea

The first thing we need to explore is what causes diarrhea in toddlers. Most parents immediately jump to the conclusion that it is something in their diet, but in fact diarrhea has many causes, the most common of which in children that age is a stomach virus. Another cause that you may want to consider stress level. If you are in the beginning stages of potty training, it is possible that the stress from trying to keep from going potty before they get to the toilet could cause diarrhea. If your toddler is past the diaper stage, then the most common cause is some type of stomach virus.

A stomach virus will often go away on its own in most cases. However, make sure that you visit your pediatrician if the condition persists or if it is in conjuction with stomach pains and/or vomiting.

The most common infection that causes diarrhea in children is rotavirus, responsible for approximately ten percent of toddler diarrhea cases in the U.S.. It is important to get your child checked out if showing symptoms of this virus, because it can be serious – resulting in approximately 65,000 hospitalizations each year. Symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea for up to a week. Children are most susceptible to this virus, and almost all children will suffer from it at some point. Natural resistance is built up as your child gets older.

Other causes of diarrhea in toddlers include food intolerance, in which your child is allergic to a particular food, such as children who are lactose intolerant and cannot use milk or other dairy products. One cause of diarrhea in children and adults alike that is often overlooked, is a gluten intolerance – or celiac disease. Celiacs are allergic to gluten, which is a protein found in most common grain based products – for example bread and pasta. If your toddlers diarrhea is ongoing and accompanied by bloating and stomach pain, try withholding any food containing gluten from the diet. Make sure to read the labels on all food products, as wheat based products can be found where you wouldn’t expect them. If the symptoms cease after 1-2 weeks, and then reappear when gluten is reintroduced to the diet, talk to your doctor about the possibility that your child might be gluten-intolerant and they can do further tests which will confirm the condition.

Other possible causes, although less frequently, include parasites or other medical conditions. It is important to note that the infections from Rotavirus and parasites are only found in a small number of severe diarrhea cases so if it is an smaller case, then it is unlikely that your baby is infected with the virus. Of course, never substitute your the information contained here for the opinion of your medical provider.

There are a few remedies for toddler diarrhea that you can use to help your child get over the diarrhea but unfortunately, there isn’t a magic pill that will stop the diarrhea completely. The first and most important thing is to keep your child hydrated, to assist in the removal of whatever is causing the diarrhea by the body’s own natural method. You can use regular beverages or specialty drinks like Pedialyte, which prevents dehydration. You can also try only giving your child dry biscuits to eat for a few hours, to allow the gastrointestinal tract to settle.

Common Diarrhea Treatments

Jane — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 12:54:48 +0000

Diarrhea is an unpleasant ailment that is quite common and can cause discomfort, dehydration, frequent trips to the restroom and loss of electrolytes. There are two basic forms: acute diarrhea and chronic diarrhea, each with varying causes and treatments. Most cases of diarrhea are short-term acute cases that can be effectively managed with at-home remedies and dietary changes; however chronic diarrhea may be a symptom of an underlying medical issue, or may require medication; therefore people who suffer from chronic diarrhea should consult with their doctor.

The first line of treatment for diarrhea is to determine the cause, if possible. For example, acute diarrheal episodes can be caused by sensitivities to specific foods, certain prescription medications, viral infections or food poisoning. Therefore, treating acute diarrhea can be as simple as switching medications, avoiding particular foods or focusing on staying hydrated as a virus runs its course. Absorbents, bismuth compounds and anti-motility medications are examples of over-the-counter diarrhea treatments that can provide relief for some people suffering from diarrhea.

The most common absorbents are polycarbophil and attpulgite, which treat diarrhea by binding with water to make stools less watery. Other diarrhea treatments are anti-motility medications such as loperamide (Imodium) slow down movement in the intestines by relaxing the muscles, which allows for increased water absorption, resulting in less watery stools. Bismuth compounds, such as bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol), have some anti-bacterial qualities and provide a protective coating that alleviates symptoms and allows the gut to heal. Prescription anti-motility medications, such as diphenoxylate, are also available for diarrhea treatment.

In cases of acute diarrhea that do not require medical attention, staying hydrated and eating foods that will not further irritate your digestive system are key factors in managing a short-term episode. Drink plenty of water and avoid spicy, rich or fatty foods during the episode and for a few days after. Both children and adults may benefit from adopting the popular BRAT diet to assist with diarrhea management, which includes bananas, rice, apple sauce and toast. Foods that are high in probiotics, such as yogurt, are also recommended for the treatment of diarrhea, and the use of oral rehydrating solutions (ORS) such as Ceralyte, that contain carbohydrates and electrolytes can help maintain hydration.

Herbal remedies used in the treatment of diarrhea include dandelion, fenugreek, skullcap and goldenseal, which can be purchased in tea or capsule form at most health food stores. The abdominal discomfort and cramping that generally accompanies diarrhea can often be alleviated with chamomile or peppermint teas, which have the added benefit of assisting in increasing water consumption to avoid dehydration.

Probiotics may also assist in the treament of diarrhea and also assist in the healing afterwards as it restores the good bacteria which may have been killed off as a result of the underlying cause of diarrhea.

Medical treatment may be necessary for chronic diarrhea, persistent acute diarrhea or severe dehydration. For example, in some cases of severe dehydration caused by diarrhea, intravenous rehydration may be used to replace lost fluids, and testing and observation may be required to determine the cause of chronic or persistent diarrhea in order to determine a treatment plan.

In most cases, effective diarrhea treatment can be managed at home and most diarrheal episodes will subside within a few days. For long-term or repeated episodes, you should consult with your doctor to ensure that there are no underlying medical issues, such as irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis or colon cancer.

Diarrhea & Constipation Remedies » toddler diarrhea treatment

Remedies For Toddler Diarrhea

Toddler Diarrhea

Common Diarrhea Treatments