symptoms in infants and children
children s health issues
Diarrhea in Children
Diarrhea is a very common problem in children (see also Diarrhea in Adults ). Diarrhea is frequent, loose, or watery bowel movements (BMs) that differ from a child’s normal pattern. Sometimes diarrhea contains blood or mucus. Identifying mild diarrhea may be difficult because in healthy children, the number and consistency of BMs vary with age and diet. For example, breastfed infants who are not yet receiving solid food often have frequent, loose stools that are considered normal. A sudden increase in number and looseness may indicate diarrhea in these infants. However, having watery stools for more than 24 hours is never normal. Children with diarrhea may lose their appetite, Vomiting in Infants and Children , lose weight, or have a Worldwide, diarrhea causes 1.5 to 2.5 million deaths a year. In the United States, diarrhea accounts for about 9% of hospitalizations for children under 5 years old. 