DIARRHEA, CHRONIC, NONSPECIFIC OF CHILDHOOD

 Basic information

description

Diarrhea is called chronic when it lasts more than three weeks. Most cases of diarrhea in children are acute and last less than 10 days. Nonspecific chronic diarrhea usually affects otherwise healthy children ages 1 to 3.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Loose stools, sometimes watery.
• Stools are sometimes normal.
• Stools are more frequent than usual.
• Pain in the stomach area.
• Occasional soreness of the anal area caused by having many bowel movements.

causes

Nonspecific means no cause has been found such as infection or food intolerance. It may have to do with some aspect of the diet. Sometimes, the children affected drink excessive amounts of fluid or juices (such as apple juice).

risk increases with

No specific risk factors.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Cannot be prevented at present.

expected outcomes

Despite the chronic diarrhea, affected children grow and develop normally. Diet changes can help resolve the diarrhea symptoms in some children. In others, bowel movements often become normal at about age 4.

possible complications

Usually no complications. Emotional problems such as anxiety may occur with parents and children.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your child's health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms. Information about your child's activities, and eating and drinking habits will help with the diagnosis. Medical tests may be done to rule out any specific cause .
• Treatment may include diet changes for your child or lifestyle changes such as being more active.
• Don't blame or criticize your child for this problem. Handle toilet training as you would with any child. Treat your child as normal and try to ignore the problem. Avoid tension. If the child becomes anxious about diarrhea, the problem may become worse or emotional problems may arise.

medications

Drugs are usually not needed for this disorder. Your child's health care provider may sometimes prescribe antidiarrheal drugs for a short period of time. Don't give your child herbal products or other dietary supplements without medical approval.

activity

Your child should be physically active as appropriate for the age group.

diet

Your child's health care provider will discuss diet changes with you. The goal is to achieve a healthy diet with regard to fat, fiber, fluids, and fruit juices. High-fiber foods such as beans, fruit, breads, and cereals are important in the diet.

 notify our office if

• Your child has diarrhea that lasts over 2 weeks.
• There is blood in the stool .
• Fever occurs.
• Your child becomes listless, refuses to eat, or cries loudly and persistently, even when picked up.
• Your child begins to lose weight or is not growing as expected.

Special Notes: