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💧 Child Diarrhoea: Causes, Symptoms & Care – Dr. Pothireddy Surendranath Reddy

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By Dr. Pothireddy Surendranath Reddy

Overview (what this article covers)
Diarrhoea (loose motions) is one of the most common illnesses in children worldwide. This article explains what diarrhoea is, common causes, how to recognise and classify dehydration, first-line home care, evidence-based medical treatment (including ORS and zinc), what to avoid, when to seek medical care or emergency help, prevention strategies (including vaccination and hygiene), and practical tips for parents and caregivers. The recommendations below follow international and national guidelines (WHO, UNICEF, CDC, IMNCI, IAP) and recent evidence on zinc/ORS use. World Health Organization+2UNICEF DATA+2

What is diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is defined as the passage of three or more loose or watery stools in 24 hours, or any number of loose stools that is abnormal for the child. It may be acute (lasting <14 days), persistent (≥14 days), or chronic (long-standing). Acute watery diarrhoea is the most common and is often caused by viral infections (rotavirus, norovirus), bacteria (e.g., enterotoxigenic E. coli, Salmonella), or parasites. Bloody diarrhoea (dysentery) suggests invasive bacterial infection and needs prompt medical attention. World Health Organization+1

Why it matters: risks and complications

The main danger from diarrhoea is dehydration — loss of fluids and electrolytes — which can be life-threatening, especially in infants and young children. Repeated diarrhoeal episodes also impair nutrition and growth. Globally, improvements in ORS coverage, zinc use, sanitation, and vaccination have dramatically reduced mortality; still, early recognition and correct home/care-provider management save lives. World Health Organization+1

How to recognise dehydration (simple clinical signs for caregivers and health workers)

Health workers and caregivers should look for the following signs:

No dehydration (mild): child is alert, drinks normally, moist mouth.
Some dehydration (moderate): restless/irritable, sunken eyes, drinks eagerly or thirsty, skin pinch goes back slowly.
Severe dehydration: lethargic/unconscious, very weak or unable to drink, sunken eyes, skin pinch goes back very slowly (>2 seconds), fast or weak pulse, cold extremities.

These signs are the basis of the WHO/IMCI classification used to decide home care vs urgent referral. If you suspect some dehydration start ORS and seek health worker advice; if severe dehydration, arrange urgent medical transfer and give sips of ORS on the way if possible. World Health Organization+1

First-line home care: the principles (what to do immediately)

  1. Fluid replacement — Give ORS (oral rehydration solution):
    • For most children with diarrhoea, oral rehydration with reduced-osmolarity ORS is safe and effective to correct dehydration and prevent complications. Offer small frequent sips in infants and a cup for older children. If the child vomits, wait 5–10 minutes then continue slowly; frequent small amounts are better tolerated. Health facilities and community programmes often provide ORS packets (mix as directed). World Health Organization+1
  2. Give zinc for 10–14 days:
    • A course of zinc (20 mg/day for children 6 months and older; 10 mg/day for infants under 6 months) for 10–14 days shortens the duration and severity of diarrhoea and reduces recurrence in the short term. Zinc is recommended for all acute diarrhoea episodes in children under five. World Health Organization+1
  3. Continue feeding / breast-feeding:
    • Maintain age-appropriate feeding. Continue exclusive breast-feeding for infants and give a normal diet for older children (avoid fasting). Frequent, small feeds are better tolerated. Malnourished children may need special nutritional support under medical guidance. UNICEF DATA
  4. Avoid homemade sugary drinks and undiluted fruit juices for rehydration:
    • These can worsen diarrhoea by increasing stool output due to high osmotic load. Use properly prepared ORS instead. World Health Organization

How much ORS to give (practical amounts)

Amount depends on age and dehydration status; the following are general guidelines used in IMCI:

  • Plan A — No dehydration (home therapy): Give additional fluids (extra breastfeeds, ORS if available). Maintain normal intake of food.
  • Plan B — Some dehydration: Give ORS — for example, a guide used by many programmes: 75–100 ml/kg over 4 hours (you do not need to memorize exact volumes if you follow local IMCI chart; health worker will advise).
  • Plan C — Severe dehydration: Requires immediate IV or intraosseous fluids in hospital.

Always follow local health worker instructions and the ORS packet preparation instructions (mix only with clean, safe water). World Health Organization+1

Medicines: what to use and what to avoid

Use / recommended:

  • ORS and zinc are the cornerstones and should be provided to all children with acute diarrhoea. UNICEF DATA+1

Do NOT routinely use:

  • Antibiotics are not routinely needed for most acute watery diarrhoea (most cases are viral). Antibiotics are indicated only when there is bloody diarrhoea (dysentery), suspected cholera with severe dehydration, or a specific bacterial diagnosis where antibiotic therapy is indicated. Using antibiotics indiscriminately causes harm and resistance. CDC+1
  • Antimotility agents (e.g., loperamide) are not recommended for young children and can be dangerous. CDC
  • Corticosteroids, anti-spasmodics, or other “quick fix” medications are generally not useful and not recommended unless prescribed for a specific indication by a pediatrician.

If in doubt, seek medical advice before giving medicines.

When to seek urgent medical care (red flags)

Take the child to the nearest health facility or emergency department immediately if any of the following are present:

  • Signs of severe dehydration (lethargy, very sunken eyes, inability to drink/very poor oral intake, skin pinch stays tented).
  • Repeated vomiting and inability to keep fluids down.
  • Blood in the stool (dysentery) or high fever.
  • Signs of systemic infection (very high fever, fast breathing, convulsions).
  • Infant <2 months old with diarrhoea (always needs medical review).
  • Persistent diarrhoea >14 days (requires further evaluation).
  • If the child has underlying health problems (e.g., immunodeficiency, severe malnutrition, congenital heart disease). CDC+1

Persistent diarrhoea and malnutrition — special attention

Diarrhoea lasting two weeks or more is called persistent diarrhoea and requires assessment for nutritional deficiency, possible chronic infection, or other causes (e.g., cow’s milk protein intolerance, inflammatory bowel disease). Children with malnutrition are more susceptible to severe diarrhoea and need integrated management (nutritional rehabilitation + infection control). Health workers will often offer additional nutritional counselling and micronutrients (including vitamin A where indicated). National Health Mission+1

Prevention: simple, high-impact measures

  1. Breastfeeding: Exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months protects against severe diarrhoea and improves infant immunity. Continue breastfeeding during diarrhoea episodes. World Health Organization
  2. Safe water and sanitation: Clean drinking water, safe disposal of feces, and improved sanitation cut diarrhoea risk substantially. Handwashing with soap (especially after defecation and before preparing food) is one of the most effective preventive actions. World Health Organization
  3. Vaccination (rotavirus): Rotavirus vaccine significantly reduces severe diarrhoea and hospitalisations in young children. Where available and part of the national programme, ensure timely rotavirus immunisation. World Health Organization
  4. Nutrition and micronutrients: Adequate infant and young child feeding practices and maintaining micronutrient sufficiency (e.g., zinc, vitamin A when indicated) protect against disease and help recovery. World Health Organization

Practical caregiver tips (day-to-day)

  • Prepare and keep ORS ready at home if your area has seasonal diarrhoea spikes (mix packets only when needed; store mixed ORS for a short time only as per instructions).
  • Offer small frequent sips after each loose stool in infants; for older children, give frequent sips from a cup.
  • Continue feeding — energy and nutrients are essential for recovery. Offer favorite foods in small amounts; avoid cow’s milk dilution.
  • Give the full 10–14 day zinc course even after symptoms improve (this reduces future episodes).
  • Maintain hygiene: clean nappies promptly, wash hands, disinfect surfaces.
  • Keep a daily record (stool frequency, presence of blood, urine output, fluid intake) — this helps health workers assess progress.

Myths and misunderstandings (common questions)

“Stop feeding until diarrhoea stops” — wrong. Stopping feeds increases malnutrition risk. Continue feeding. UNICEF DATA
“Antibiotics cure diarrhoea” — only for specific bacterial causes; not for routine viral diarrhoea. CDC
“Home remedies (coconut water, rice water) are sufficient” — some traditional drinks (e.g., rice water) may provide fluids but should not replace ORS; avoid sugary drinks or undiluted fruit juice as they can worsen stools. Use ORS as the priority fluid. World Health Organization

Role of the health system and community programs

Public health programmes that improve ORS/zinc access, train community health workers, run ‘Stop Diarrhoea’ campaigns, and provide rotavirus immunisation have been highly effective in reducing diarrhoea mortality. If your area runs such campaigns (check local health department announcements), take advantage of ORS/zinc corners, free supplies, and community education sessions. The Times of India+1

Quick summary — what to do now (checklist for caregivers)

  • Count stools: 3 or more watery stools = diarrhoea.
  • Offer ORS and zinc (20 mg/day for children ≥6 months; 10 mg/day for <6 months) for 10–14 days. World Health Organization
  • Continue breastfeeding and normal feeding.
  • Watch for danger signs (lethargy, inability to drink, sunken eyes, blood in stool) — go to the hospital if any appear. World Health Organization
  • Practice handwashing, safe water, and sanitation to prevent recurrence. World Health Organization

Closing note from the author (brief)

Diarrhoea in children is common but, with timely ORS, zinc, continued feeding, and attention to danger signs, most children recover quickly without complications. If you are worried, especially with very young infants, repeated vomiting, blood in stools, high fever, or signs of severe dehydration, seek medical care promptly. Local public health services (primary health centres, community health workers) are often the best first contact for supplies and advice.

Reference links (selected, relevant resources)

Below are authoritative sources where you (or a clinician) can read more and download official guidance:

  1. WHO — Diarrhoeal disease fact sheet (overview, prevention, ORS and zinc guidance).
    https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/diarrhoeal-disease World Health Organization
  2. WHO — The treatment of diarrhoea: a manual for physicians and other senior health workers (WHO manual covering ORS, low-osmolar ORS, and zinc).
    https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9241593180 World Health Organization
  3. WHO/UNICEF joint statement — Clinical management of acute diarrhoea (clinical packet: ORS + zinc recommendations).
    https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/WHO-UNICEF_JOint-Statement_clinical-management-of-acurte-diarrhoea.pdf UNICEF DATA
  4. UNICEF — Oral rehydration salts and zinc (programmatic and supply information).
    https://www.unicef.org/supply/oral-rehydration-salts-and-zinc UNICEF
  5. CDC — Managing Acute Gastroenteritis Among Children (clinical guidance for healthcare providers).
    https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/rr5216a1.htm CDC
  6. IMNCI / National guidelines (India) — IMNCI chart booklet & NHM resources (country operational guidance for community health workers).
    https://nhm.gov.in/images/pdf/programmes/child-health/guidelines/imnci_chart_booklet.pdf National Health Mission
  7. IAP (Indian Academy of Pediatrics) — Acute Watery Diarrhea STG (practical paediatric guidance, ORS emphasis).
    https://iapindia.org/pdf/Ch-020-STG-Acute-Watery-Diarrhea.pdf iapindia.org
  8. Recent systematic reviews / evidence on zinc (summary evidence supporting zinc use).
    https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10077008/ and https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11622351/ PMC+1
  9. Local campaigns (example: ‘Stop Diarrhoea’ campaign materials and operational guidance) — check local public health department pages for ORS/zinc drives and ORS corners in clinics. (Example: Delhi NHM guidance).
    https://health.delhi.gov.in/sites/default/files/Health/circulars-orders/guidance_document_on_stop_diarrhoea_campaign_2024.pdf Delhi Health

1.    https://pothireddysurendranathreddy.blogspot.com/2025/11/care-of-acute-asthma-attack-in-children.html                acute asthma in kids

2.    https://pothireddysurendranathreddy.blogspot.com/2025/11/headache-management.html                                                        headache

3.    https://pothireddysurendranathreddy.blogspot.com/2025/11/acute-cold-in-children.html                                                  child acute cold


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