Chronic diarrhea in children and infants is not just a digestive problem but may indicate a more serious health issue. If your child's watery stools persist for more than two weeks, it’s essential for parents to be concerned due to the increased risk of dehydration. Chronic diarrhea can affect your child's growth and overall development. Below are the causes and treatment methods for chronic diarrhea in children according to Health.com.
Causes of Chronic Diarrhea in Children
There are several common diseases or disorders that can cause chronic diarrhea in children, including:
1. Recurring Digestive Infections
Digestive infections can lead to chronic diarrhea when a child is exposed to viruses, bacteria, or parasites through food, drinks, or contact with infected individuals. After the infection, some children have difficulty digesting carbohydrates like lactose or proteins found in milk and soy, which can lead to prolonged diarrhea, especially if the infection isn't treated properly.
2. Celiac Disease
Celiac disease occurs when a child’s immune system reacts to gluten, a protein found in wheat. Consuming gluten can cause inflammation in the digestive system and damage the small intestine, leading to chronic diarrhea. This condition usually becomes apparent when a child begins eating solid foods containing gluten.
3. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Conditions like Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) can lead to chronic diarrhea. Identifying IBS in young children can be challenging because symptoms such as abdominal pain are difficult for non-verbal infants to express.
4. Food Sensitivity and Intolerance
Food allergies or intolerances can trigger chronic diarrhea. Children may be allergic to cow’s milk protein, dairy products, or soy, causing diarrhea. Alternatively, children may have lactose, fructose, or sucrose intolerance when their body lacks the enzymes needed to digest these carbohydrates.
5. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
This is a chronic condition that involves inflammation of the intestines, including two main types: Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis. IBD can cause persistent diarrhea in children, and it often develops during early childhood or adolescence.
Symptoms of Chronic Diarrhea in Children
To determine if a child is suffering from chronic diarrhea, parents should observe their child’s stools. Normally, a child’s stool is yellow, brown, or green in color and can be soft, thick, or sticky. In contrast, children with chronic diarrhea may show symptoms such as:
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Strong-smelling stools
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Presence of blood or mucus
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Fever
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Difficulty holding stool
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Nausea or vomiting
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Abdominal pain or cramps
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Irritability
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Weight loss
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Watery stools three times a day or more, or stools that last for more than two weeks
Treatment for Chronic Diarrhea in Children
The treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on the cause and severity of the condition. Below are some methods for managing chronic diarrhea:
1. Adequate Hydration
Chronic diarrhea can lead to dehydration, so it’s essential to keep the child well-hydrated. For infants who are breastfeeding, continue to offer breast milk, as it is one of the best remedies for digestive disorders like colic, vomiting, and diarrhea.
For children eating solid foods, offer water, natural fruit juices, or coconut water to keep them hydrated.
2. Consult a Pediatrician
It's important to take your child to the pediatrician if the symptoms of chronic diarrhea persist. If the diarrhea is caused by a bacterial infection, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics or other medications. In some cases, hospitalization may be necessary, particularly if the child is dehydrated and needs intravenous fluids for proper hydration.
3. Regular Nutrition
If the child has started eating solid foods, you can offer soft foods such as mashed bananas, applesauce, and cereal until the symptoms of chronic diarrhea subside. For breastfeeding infants, continue breastfeeding regularly.
Breastfeeding mothers should avoid certain foods while their baby is suffering from diarrhea, such as:
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Greasy foods
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High-fiber foods
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Cow's milk
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Sweet foods and drinks
Key Takeaways
Chronic diarrhea in children is not just a digestive issue, but it may have long-term effects on the child's health and development. Parents must be vigilant about recognizing the early signs of chronic diarrhea and seek medical help if the symptoms persist. By providing proper hydration, seeking professional advice, and adjusting the child's diet, most cases of chronic diarrhea can be managed effectively.
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