Diarrhoea | kentchildhealth

Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea is another common presentation to paediatric clinics. These children who pass loose stools, watery or porridge-like stools more than 3 times a day.

Acute onset of diarrhoea in a well child could most likely be due to gastroenteritis and children usually recover completely in a week’s time. It is important to know that gastroenteritis is can quickly spread to other carers and children who come in contact and the child may need to stay at home for at least 48hrs until symptoms are resolved.

Chronic diarrhoea lasts for more than 14 days and these children need to be assessed for conditions such as malabsorption, infection, food intolerances and inflammatory bowel disorders.

Toddler’s diarrhoea is a diagnosis of exclusion when all other diseases have been excluded. It is very common in children between the ages of 1 and 5 years of age and is of no consequence. It simply is a reflection of the increased speed of transit of food going through the gut. As long as the child is growing well and has a good appetite and no other symptoms then this is most likely to be the diagnosis