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Diarrhea in Children

Diarrhea means stools become looser, more watery or more frequent than normal for the child. What counts as diarrhea can vary because normal stool patterns differ from child to child.

Viruses are a common cause. Bacterial or parasitic infections, antibiotics and other medicines, food intolerances, changes in diet and some digestive conditions can also cause diarrhea.

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AAP Guide to Diarrhea in Children

The AAP guide below explains what is normal, how to prevent dehydration, and when diarrhea needs medical care.

AAP Symptom CheckerDiarrhea

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When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • There is blood in the stool.
  • Your child has severe or persistent stomach pain.
  • Your child is drinking poorly, urinating much less or showing signs of dehydration.
  • The diarrhea is very frequent, follows recent travel or is not improving.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • Your child is too weak or dizzy to stand.
  • Your child is very difficult to wake or does not respond normally.
  • Your child has severe dehydration.
  • You think your child has a life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on stomach and bowels

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms