130
FAMILY ILLNESS
Diarrhea( children)
For adults and children over 12, see p. 128 Diarrhea is the abnormally frequent passage of loose or watery feces. Breast-fed babies may pass loose feces several times a day, and this is normal. If your child has diarrhea, he or she should drink plenty of clear fluids to avoid dehydration. If symptoms do not improve, consult your doctor.
START
How long has your child had diarrhea?
Less than 3 days
Does your child have any of the following?
Abdominal pain
! Danger signs
Dial 911 or call EMS if your child also has any of the following symptoms:
• Abnormal drowsiness.
• Severe abdominal pain or abdominal pain that lasts
for 4 hours or more.
• No urination during the day for 3 hours( if under 1 year)
or 6 hours( in an older child).
• Refusal to drink or feed( in babies) for over 6 hours.
• Blood in the feces.
3 days or more
ACTION
CALL YOUR DOCTOR NOW if your child is under 6 months. He or she may have gastroenteritis.
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR if your child is over 6 months and not better within 24 hours or if any other symptoms develop.
• Follow the advice for preventing dehydration( p. 165).
Was your child constipated before the onset of diarrhea?
Constipated
Not constipated
Temperature of 100.4 ° F( 38 ° C) or above
Vomiting
None of the above
ACTION
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT TO SEE YOUR DOCTOR Persistent constipation can lead to feces trickling from the anus, which may be mistaken for diarrhea.
What is the appearance of the feces?
Uniformly runny
Contains pieces of food
Is your child currently taking any medication?
Medication
No medication
Is your child gaining weight and growing at a normal rate( see growth charts, p. 71)?
Yes
No