1. Nutrition For Children With Diarrhea

2. Why is diarrhea a concern for parents?
Dehydration, poor nutrition, and poor health
200,000 hospitalizations per year in U.S.
300 deaths per year in U.S.

3. How can I tell if my child has diarrhea?
Change in the normal frequency and looseness of the stools (poop)
↑ frequency
↑ looseness
Color change
Bad odor
Mucus
Blood

4. What are some causes of diarrhea in children?
Germs
Food allergy or food intolerance
Medications
Too much juice, fruit, or sugar
Too much fluid
Very low-fat diets

5. How long does diarrhea last?
Acute diarrhea
1 to several days
Chronic diarrhea
More than 2 weeks
Both can be dangerous if fluid loss is large
We will talk about acute diarrhea

6. Children with diarrhea should drink an oral rehydration solution like Pedialyte
Replaces lost water and minerals like sodium and potassium

7. What should I do if my child has acute diarrhea?
Immediately give your child Pedialyte
Watch for signs of dehydration
Contact your doctor if your child is dehydrated
Talk to your doctor if you have any other question or concern
If your child is not dehydrated, continue to give your child Pedialyte, other fluids, and food

8. 1. Immediately give your child Pedialyte to drink
Always have a supply of Pedialyte in the home
When diarrhea begins
Offer Pedialyte immediately
For children < 22 pounds
¼ cup to ½ cup (2-4 ounces) per diarrhea stool
For children > 22 pounds
½ cup to 1 cup (4-8 ounces) per diarrhea stool

9. How can we offer Pedialyte to our children?
Offer Pedialyte by
Bottle
Cup
Teaspoon
Syringe
Medicine dropper
Freezer pops
Smaller amounts at first usually work best
Larger amounts may increase vomiting

10. 2. Watch for signs of dehydration
Contact your doctor if your child shows any signs of dehydration.
What are some signs of dehydration?

11. Signs of dehydration Increased thirst ↓ urine Weight loss
Dry mouth and tongue
↓ tears or no tears when crying
Sunken eyes
Sunken soft spot on infant’s head
Tired, restless, or irritable
Rapid and deep breathing
Pinched skin stays folded

12. 3. Contact your doctor if your child is dehydrated.

13. 4. Talk to your doctor if you have any other question or concern.
Young infant
Blood in stool (poop)
Persistent vomiting
Fever

14. Offer usual fluids and foods
5. If your child is not dehydrated, continue to give him/her Pedialyte, other fluids, and food.
Give Pedialyte
Offer usual fluids and foods
Breast milk, formula, water, milk
Usual foods
Avoid sugary fluids and foods
Soda pop, Kool-Aid, juice, Jello-water, or Gatorade
Pre-sweetened cereals, popsicles, or other sugary foods

15. What is the BRAT diet? Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast
All four foods are okay
Too restrictive

16. Summary What do you do if your child has diarrhea?
Immediately give your child Pedialyte
Watch for signs of dehydration
Contact your doctor if your child is dehydrated
Talk to your doctor if you have any other question or concern
If your child is not dehydrated, continue to give your child Pedialyte, other fluids, and food