Child diarrhoea is most often caused by a viral infection. The main treatment is to replace the fluid and salts the child loses. The most important question is whether the child can drink enough and keep it down.
How ORS is used#
Oral rehydration solution, often called ORS, replaces salts and fluid in a balanced way. It comes as a ready-made drink or as powder mixed with water. It is given in small amounts often, for example a tablespoon every few minutes.
If the child is vomiting, give even smaller amounts more often. After vomiting, wait 10 to 15 minutes and try again.
A common mistake is to replace ORS with plain water or juice. Water alone does not replace lost salts, and sugary drinks can worsen diarrhoea because sugar absorption in the bowel is disturbed. Homemade salt-sugar solutions are less reliable than ready-made ORS because the concentration may be off.
Food during diarrhoea#
Normal eating should resume as soon as possible. Fasting does not speed recovery. Light familiar food is usually the best choice. Rice, potato, banana and toast are often well tolerated.
Milk products are usually tolerated, but if diarrhoea lingers, a lactose-free option may be needed temporarily. Fatty or strongly seasoned foods are best avoided while the bowel is irritated.
Recovery#
After diarrhoea, the bowel recovers gradually and loose stools can continue for a few days even when the child otherwise feels well. That is normal and does not usually need special action. Eating should continue normally, because food helps recovery. In some cases, using a probiotic with diarrhoea may shorten the episode.
If diarrhoea lasts more than a week or keeps returning, healthcare assessment is sensible. Long-lasting diarrhoea may have another cause that needs clarification.
Preventing spread#
Hand hygiene is the most important single way to prevent diarrhoeal infections from spreading. Washing hands with soap and water is more effective than hand sanitiser alone, especially for norovirus. Diapers and vomit should be handled carefully, and the same precautions apply to the whole family.
When to seek care#
Seek care if the child will not drink or keep fluids down, urinates much less than usual, seems unusually tired or limp, has blood in the diarrhoea, has a high and prolonged fever, or is under six months old. In infants, the threshold for assessment is always low.
Further reading and sources#
Further reading: