When to Worry About Persistent Diarrhea in Toddlers

Diarrhea is a common but unpleasant condition that affects people of all ages. When your toddler has diarrhea, knowing when to seek medical attention to prevent complications is helpful.

At American Pediatrics, we offer comprehensive care for toddlers with persistent diarrhea. Our expert pediatricians work to accurately diagnose its root cause and customize a care plan to treat your child’s diarrhea.

Understanding the possible causes of diarrhea in toddlers

Diarrhea is a digestive issue that describes loose, watery stools. While many toddlers experience occasional diarrhea, some may also develop chronic diarrhea that lasts two weeks or longer.

Diarrhea can be the result of an acute or chronic health condition. In toddlers, persistent diarrhea can occur because of:

• Pancreatitis
• Food allergies
• Gluten intolerance (Celiac disease)
• Irritable bowel disease (IBD)
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
• Bacterial and viral infections

Toddlers might also experience bouts of diarrhea if they eat a low-fat, high-fiber diet, have difficulties absorbing carbohydrates, or drink excessive amounts of fluids. Traveling can also increase your child’s risk for digestive upset and issues with diarrhea or constipation. 

When to seek medical attention for diarrhea

You can typically manage your child’s diarrhea with diet changes and other home care strategies if the issue lasts only a few days. However, ongoing issues with diarrhea can lead to dehydration and other health complications.

Our team at American Pediatrics recommends that you schedule a diagnostic evaluation for toddlers with diarrhea that lasts longer than a week. An evaluation is also important if your child has other symptoms that occur along with diarrhea, such as:

• Fever
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Changes in appetite
• Abdominal cramping or pain

Blood in the stool requires immediate medical attention. Blood can be a warning sign of a skin infection in the anus, an anal fissure, or colitis triggered by cow’s milk.

American Pediatrics offers comprehensive health exams to identify the cause of your toddler’s diarrhea. Our pediatricians may also request bloodwork or imaging tests to assess your child’s digestive health. They make same-day sick visits available for chronic diarrhea and other urgent medical concerns.

Treatments for toddlers with persistent diarrhea

After our pediatricians assess your child’s symptoms and overall health, they create a treatment plan to relieve diarrhea and address its root cause.

Treatment for diarrhea might include diet changes to prevent excessive fluid intake and increase fiber and healthy fats.  Our team might also prescribe antibiotics to treat underlying bacterial infections.

If your child is dehydrated because of too much fluid loss, they should drink beverages that contain electrolytes to feel better. In cases of severe dehydration, kids may need intravenous fluids to rapidly rehydrate tissues.

Our team can also suggest strategies you can use to lower your child’s risk for additional episodes of diarrhea. These strategies include using proper handwashing and other personal hygiene practices and vaccinating your child against rotavirus and the flu.

Call the American Pediatrics office in Corona, Eastvale, or Irvine, California, today to schedule a same-day sick visit for diarrhea in your toddler. You can also book an appointment online.