Symptoms
The most common symptom of diarrhea in children is the frequent passage of loose or watery stools. Other symptoms may include:
Causes
Diarrhea in children can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
- Abdominal cramping and pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Fatigue
- Dehydration (symptoms include dry mouth, sunken eyes, and dark yellow urine)
- Infections: Diarrhea caused by viral, bacterial, or parasitic infections is the most common cause of diarrhea in children. These infections can be contracted by consuming contaminated food or water, or by coming into contact with an infected person.
- Food intolerance: Some children may be intolerant to certain foods, such as lactose or gluten, which can cause diarrhea.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as antibiotics, can cause diarrhea as a side effect.
- Other underlying medical conditions: Diarrhea can also be caused by certain medical conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or celiac disease.