Need to Treat Your Kid's Diarrhea? Here Are a Few Safe Things to Try

Diarrhea is when your child has more frequent stools or looser than normal stools. It’s a common condition in kids under 5. Although worrisome, diarrhea is usually not severe or long-lasting in children. In many cases, it goes away on its own. 

Still, you may want to get your child relief quickly. Knowing how to manage diarrhea in kids can help ease any anxiety you may have as a caregiver.

What causes diarrhea in kids?

There are many causes of diarrhea in kids. You may be able to pinpoint the cause based on how long the diarrhea lasts and what other symptoms are present. Acute diarrhea has a rapid onset and lasts for less than 3 weeks. Chronic diarrhea lasts 3 weeks or longer. 

Acute diarrhea

Acute diarrhea is often caused by an infection, such as:

• Viral gastroenteritis: Rotaviruses and noroviruses are some of the most common causes of acute diarrhea. These viruses are especially common in children who attend daycare or preschool.

• Bacterial infection: Less commonly, a bacterial infection in the intestines, such as salmonella or E. coli., can cause diarrhea.

• Parasite infection: This is a less common cause of diarrhea in developed countries. Still, parasites such as giardia can also cause acute diarrhea.

Chronic diarrhea

Sometimes diarrhea can last several weeks. Common causes of chronic diarrhea in kids include:

• “Toddler's diarrhea": This is a benign cause of mild diarrhea and is often due to dietary reasons like excess fruit or juice. Children with the condition usually still eat well and grow normally and don’t have other symptoms.

• Cow's milk protein allergy: Typically diagnosed in infancy, an allergy to cow's milk protein can lead to diarrhea. Other symptoms can include trouble feeding, poor weight gain, and blood-streaked diarrhea.

• Diarrhea after infection: After an infection causes acute diarrhea, ongoing inflammation from the infection can lead to prolonged diarrhea.

• Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Antibiotics that treat harmful bacteria also destroy helpful bacteria. This can affect the normal balance of bacteria in the gut and lead to diarrhea.

• Lactose intolerance: A common cause of chronic diarrhea is difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar found in dairy products.

• Food allergies: An allergy to certain foods can also lead to diarrhea. Other symptoms of a food allergy might include poor weight gain, rashes, and other gastrointestinal symptoms.

• Inflammatory bowel disease: Conditions like ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease can lead to inflammation and diarrhea. Your child may also have mouth sores, poor growth, and weight loss if they have these conditions. 

• Irritable bowel syndrome: This condition is more common in adolescents and can cause intermittent diarrhea.

• Celiac disease: This is an autoimmune condition caused by intolerance to gluten. It is more common in children who have other autoimmune conditions or a family history.

How do you treat diarrhea in kids?

Unfortunately, there is no quick fix for diarrhea. Instead, treating acute diarrhea typically involves keeping your child hydrated. 

For infants, you should continue to offer breastmilk or formula as usual. If they are not feeding, offering smaller volumes more frequently is helpful. For older children, encourage them to drink clear fluids like water or Pedialyte. Diluted juice (1/2 juice and 1/2 water), Pedialyte popsicles, and broth can be good choices, too.

You’ll also need to avoid foods and beverages that may worsen diarrhea until symptoms improve. This may include things like:

• Sugary beverages (like juice)

• Dairy products

• Fatty foods

• Spicy foods

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If the only liquid a young child wants to drink is milk or juice, the benefits of hydration may outweigh a worsening of symptoms.

Medications are not usually helpful or recommended for diarrhea, and medications that slow down diarrhea should not be given to children for acute diarrhea in most cases. Healthcare providers might prescribe an antibiotic or anti-parasitic medication for diarrhea caused by infections.

Treatment of chronic diarrhea often involves identifying and addressing the underlying cause.

What is the best natural remedy for diarrhea in kids?

Although natural remedies may help ease an upset stomach, there is not enough evidence that herbal remedies help diarrhea in kids. 

However, probiotics may help in some cases. Probiotics are supplements that help promote good bacteria in the bowels (gut). They may be able to treat cases where there is an imbalance between good and harmful bacteria in the gut. This can sometimes happen after your child has taken antibiotics.

There are many options for probiotic supplements for children. Your healthcare provider can help you determine if it is an appropriate remedy for your child. 

Is it OK to give my child Pepto Bismol or Imodium? 

Don’t give Pepto Bismol to children under age 12. It contains the active ingredient bismuth subsalicylate. In children with a viral illness, salicylates have been linked to Reye’s syndrome — a rare condition affecting the brain and liver. 

Imodium (loperamide) is not usually recommended for acute diarrhea in children, especially those under age 2. That’s because the diarrhea will usually resolve quickly on its own. Imodium may be helpful in some instances of chronic diarrhea or diarrhea in older children. But it’s best to talk to your healthcare provider before using any medications to treat diarrhea in children. 

When should I take my kid to the doctor for diarrhea?

In most cases, diarrhea is mild and will go away within a few days. However, occasionally it can be severe or prolonged and require medical attention. 

The most significant risk of severe diarrhea is dehydration. Dehydration occurs when fluid intake is not enough to keep up with the fluid loss from diarrhea. This can happen quickly or be life-threatening, especially in toddlers and infants. 

Signs of dehydration to look for in your child are:

• Decreased urination or wet diapers (no wet diaper in 8 hours)

• Dry lips

• Sunken eyes

• Decreased tears

• Increased fussiness

• Very sleepy

Other reasons to bring your child to a provider for diarrhea include:

• Bloody or black diarrhea

• Fever above 100.4°F in an infant under 3 months of age

• Fever of 102°F for more than 2 days

• Lethargy

• Difficulty breathing or turning blue

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Written by:

Louisa Salisbury, MD

Louisa Salisbury, MD, is a licensed, board-certified general pediatrician. She received a bachelor’s degree in human development from the University of California, San Diego, and obtained her medical degree from the University of Vermont Robert Larner College of Medicine.

Edited by:

Karla Robinson, MD

Karla Robinson, MD, is a medical editor for GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified family physician with almost 20 years of experience in health through varied clinical, administrative, and educational roles.

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