Diarrhea in Children: Symptoms, Treatment, and When to Seek Care in Anchorage, Alaska

What Is Diarrhea in Children?

Diarrhea means having loose or watery bowel movements that happen more often than what is normal for your child.

In children, diarrhea is commonly caused by a viral infection, sometimes called a stomach bug or stomach flu. It can also happen because of food poisoning, certain bacterial infections, diet changes, food intolerances, or medications such as antibiotics.

Diarrhea Symptoms in Children

Diarrhea itself can look different depending on your child’s age, diet, and normal bowel habits. Children may also have other symptoms depending on the cause.

Common symptoms that may occur with diarrhea include:

• Loose or watery stools

• More frequent bowel movements than usual

• Stomach cramps or abdominal discomfort

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Reduced appetite

It’s also important to watch for signs that your child may be getting dehydrated. These can include a dry mouth, fewer wet diapers or bathroom trips, fewer tears when crying, unusual tiredness, or increased thirst.

Babies and toddlers may not be able to tell you how they feel, so changes in feeding, wet diapers, energy level, and behavior can be especially helpful to watch.

How Is Diarrhea Diagnosed in Children?

A pediatric provider will first ask about your child’s symptoms and how long the diarrhea has been happening.

They may ask about:

• How often your child is having loose stools

• Whether there is blood or mucus in the stool

• Vomiting, fever, or stomach pain

• What your child has eaten recently

• Recent travel

• Current medications, including antibiotics

• How much your child is drinking and urinating

For many short-term cases, a detailed symptom history and physical examination are enough to determine the appropriate next steps.

If diarrhea is severe, persistent, bloody, or associated with other concerning symptoms, the provider may recommend stool testing or other tests to help identify the cause.

How Is Diarrhea Treated in Children?

Diarrhea treatment depends on the cause and how your child is feeling overall.

For many children with short-term stomach illness, the main goal is preventing dehydration while the illness runs its course.

Your provider may recommend:

• Offering fluids regularly throughout the day

• Continuing breast milk or formula for infants as appropriate

• Using an oral rehydration solution if necessary

• Allowing your child to return to their usual foods as their appetite improves

• Monitoring wet diapers, bathroom trips, and energy levels

• Getting plenty of rest

Antibiotics are not used for most viral causes of diarrhea. If testing shows a bacterial infection or another condition that requires a specific treatment, your provider will recommend care based on the cause.

Don’t give your child over-the-counter medication unless a healthcare provider recommends it. Some medications that adults use for diarrhea may not be appropriate for children.

When Should You Visit Urgent Care for Your Child’s Diarrhea?

Mild diarrhea that’s improving and is not affecting your child’s ability to drink or stay active can often be monitored at home.

If diarrhea is frequent, worsening, lasting longer than expected, or has other concerning symptoms, a pediatric provider can help determine what your child needs next.

What our providers can evaluate through a telemedicine visit:

• How long your child has had diarrhea

• How frequently they’re having loose stools

• Whether vomiting, fever, or stomach pain is also present

• Your child’s fluid intake and possible signs of dehydration

• Recent foods, medications, travel, or illness exposures

• Whether your child may need an in-person examination or testing

• Appropriate home care and next steps based on their symptoms

When an in-person visit may be recommended:

• Your child is having frequent diarrhea

• There’s blood in the stool

• Your child has significant or worsening stomach pain

• Vomiting is making it difficult to keep fluids down

• Your child is showing signs of dehydration

• Fever or other concerning symptoms are occurring with the diarrhea

• Symptoms are worsening or not improving as expected

• Your provider recommends stool testing, a physical examination, or additional testing

Seek immediate medical care if your child is difficult to wake, appears severely dehydrated, can’t drink enough to replace lost fluids, has severe or rapidly worsening abdominal pain, or has other symptoms that seem serious or life-threatening.

Why Choose Alaska Children's Urgent Care and Outreach in Anchorage?

When your child has diarrhea, vomiting, or other stomach symptoms, it can be difficult to know whether they simply need time and fluids or should be evaluated by a provider.

Alaska Children’s Urgent Care and Outreach provides pediatric-focused care in Anchorage for diarrhea, stomach issues, dehydration concerns, food-related illness, and other common childhood conditions.

Our team can evaluate your child’s symptoms, determine whether additional care is needed, and help you understand what to do next. Telemedicine is also available for families who want to start with a pediatric provider from home.

Medical Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Contact a qualified healthcare provider for recommendations based on your child’s individual symptoms and health needs.

Frequently Asked Questions