BACK-TO-SCHOOL DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN: WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO HELP THEIR CHILD RECOVER QUICKLY?

🏡 After the summer break, children are excited to return to school and adjust to new routines and environments. However, changes in eating habits, sleep schedules and hygiene, along with increased exposure to potential pathogens at school, may make children more susceptible to digestive problems, including diarrhea.

‼️ When a child has diarrhea, the goal is not simply to “stop the diarrhea.” Proper rehydration, maintaining adequate nutrition and monitoring for warning signs are essential to prevent dehydration and other complications.

👩🏻‍⚕️ So, how should parents care for a child with diarrhea? What signs indicate that the child needs immediate medical attention? Let’s find out through insights from MSc. MD. Sử Thị Như Ngọc – Pediatrician in the article below!

1️⃣ WHAT IS DIARRHEA IN CHILDREN?

🔸 Diarrhea is defined as passing loose or watery stools 3 or more times within 24 hours.

▶️ Diarrhea can be classified as:

▪️ Acute diarrhea: Sudden onset and lasting no more than 14 days.

▪️ Persistent diarrhea: Diarrhea lasting more than 14 days.

2️⃣ WHY ARE CHILDREN PRONE TO DIARRHEA?

🔸 There are many possible causes of diarrhea in children, with gastrointestinal infections being among the most common.

▶️ Infectious causes include:

▪️ Viruses: Rotavirus, Norovirus, Adenovirus types 40 and 41, Enterovirus...

▪️ Bacteria: Salmonella, Shigella, Escherichia coli, Campylobacter, Yersinia enterocolitica, Vibrio cholerae...

▪️ Parasites: Entamoeba histolytica, Giardia intestinalis, Cryptosporidium...

▶️ Non-infectious causes include:

▪️ Side effects of certain medications, such as antibiotics and laxatives.

▪️ Food allergies or intolerances.

▪️ Food poisoning.

▪️ Certain digestive or malabsorption disorders.

▪️ Other conditions, such as chemotherapy- or radiotherapy-related intestinal inflammation or surgical conditions.

3️⃣ YOUR CHILD HAS DIARRHEA — HOW SHOULD PARENTS CARE FOR THEM?

▶️ When a child has diarrhea, fluid and electrolyte replacement is the top priority to reduce the risk of dehydration. Parents should not give anti-diarrheal medication or antibiotics without medical advice, or reuse an old prescription.

♦️ PROPER REHYDRATION AND ELECTROLYTE REPLACEMENT

▪️ Give your child Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) prepared exactly according to the instructions on the package, in small, frequent sips. If the child vomits, wait about 10 minutes and then resume giving ORS slowly.

▪️ Recommended amount of ORS:

▫️ Children under 2 years: 50–100 mL after each loose stool.

▫️ Children aged 2 years and older: 100–200 mL after each loose stool.

▪️ For breastfed children, continue breastfeeding and consider increasing the frequency of feeds.

▪️ For older children, offer additional water and suitable fluids such as rice water or soup, according to the child’s ability to drink. Limit soft drinks, carbonated beverages and drinks with excessive sugar.

♦️ DO NOT WITHHOLD FOOD WHEN YOUR CHILD HAS DIARRHEA

Diarrhea does not mean that the child needs to follow an overly restrictive diet.

☑️ Parents should:

▪️ Continue feeding the child and offer small, frequent meals.

▪️ Prioritize soft, liquid and easily digestible foods.

▪️ Include potassium-rich foods such as bananas and other suitable fruits.

▪️ Limit foods that are greasy, overly sweet or difficult to digest.

♦️ SHOULD YOU GIVE YOUR CHILD ANTIBIOTICS WITHOUT MEDICAL ADVICE?

▪️ Not every case of diarrhea requires antibiotics.

▪️ If the child has signs suggestive of a bacterial infection, such as high fever, marked lethargy or bloody/mucoid stools, parents should take the child to a healthcare facility for evaluation and appropriate treatment.

▪️ If antibiotics are prescribed, they should be given at the correct dose and for the full duration as instructed by the doctor. Do not increase, reduce or stop the medication without medical advice.

🚨 WHEN SHOULD YOU TAKE YOUR CHILD TO SEE A DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY?

‼️ Most cases of acute diarrhea can be managed and monitored at home if the child remains alert, is able to drink and has no signs of dehydration.

🔺 However, parents should take their child to a healthcare facility if the child has any of the following signs:

▪️ Fatigue, lethargy, difficulty waking up or unusual irritability.

▪️ Frequent or continuous loose stools.

▪️ Blood in the stool.

▪️ Frequent or persistent vomiting.

▪️ Excessive thirst, poor fluid intake or refusal to breastfeed.

▪️ Persistent high fever that does not improve.

▪️ Other abnormal signs such as difficulty breathing, labored breathing, excessive sweating or cold hands and feet.

▪️ The child is under 6 months old and has diarrhea.

▪️ The child is malnourished, obese, has a chronic medical condition or a significant medical history.

▪️ The condition does not improve after approximately 2 days of care and treatment.

🛡️ HELP PREVENT DIARRHEA WHEN YOUR CHILD RETURNS TO SCHOOL

▶️ To reduce the risk of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal illnesses, parents should help children develop simple but important hygiene habits:

✔️ Wash hands with soap and clean water, especially before eating and after using the toilet.

✔️ Eat thoroughly cooked food, drink safe water and choose hygienically prepared foods.

✔️ Maintain good personal hygiene and keep the child’s belongings and living environment clean.

✔️ Families and schools should ensure that toilets are clean and meet hygiene standards.

✔️ Make sure your child receives vaccinations according to the recommended schedule, including vaccines appropriate for their age.

🔔 Don’t let diarrhea interrupt your child’s journey back to school! When your child develops unusual or concerning symptoms, monitor them closely and seek medical care promptly to identify the cause, assess dehydration and receive appropriate care and treatment guidance.

👩‍⚕️ SUPPORTING YOUR CHILD’S HEALTHY GROWTH JOURNEY AT CAREPLUS

🔸 At CarePlus, our comprehensive pediatric services range from general consultations and health check-ups to specialized examinations, laboratory testing, diagnostic imaging and vaccination services. We support parents in monitoring their child’s health, growth and development from infancy through adolescence.

🔸 If you notice any unusual signs related to your child’s health, digestion, nutrition, growth or development, bring your child to see a Pediatrician for proper assessment and personalized care recommendations.