Question
What’s going on with my child’s recent diarrhea? What are the common causes of pediatric diarrhea, and how should this symptom be treated?
Answer
There are many causes of pediatric diarrhea, with common ones including bacterial or viral enteritis due to unclean diet, gastroenteritis caused by food spoilage, gastrointestinal dysfunction due to other systemic diseases, overeating or under-eating, inappropriate introduction of complementary foods, weaning, or sudden changes in weather leading to disrupted digestion. Sometimes, diarrhea is not related to any disease, and the child may show no other abnormalities besides diarrhea. The treatment for diarrhea depends on the specific cause, generally involving the replenishment of fluids and electrolytes, dietary adjustments, and the use of antibiotics or antiviral medications. If diarrhea persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.