Diarrhea

Common Illnesses

Coughs

Colds

Flu

RSV

Ear Infections
(Otitus Media)

Fevers

Vomiting

Diarrhea

Cavities

Stomach Aches

Sore Throats

Contagious Diseases
Lifelong Health Issues
Unavoidable Conditions
Why Kids Get Sick So Often
When To Call The Doctor
When To Send Your Child to Daycare
Safe Use of Antibiotics

Diarrhea

Gastrointestinal infections usually cause diarrhea - frequent and watery bowel movements. Parasites, viruses, or bacteria can all cause diarrheal infections, which means that a child can exhibit a variety of symptoms. Symptoms usually start with crampy, abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. This usually lasts a few days but can last longer in some cases.

In the United States, the rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrheal infections. Hand washing is the most effective means of preventing diarrheal infections that are passed from person to person. Dirty hands carry infectious germs into the body when a child bits his nails or puts any part of his hands into his mouth. Children should wash their hands frequently, especially after using the toilet and before eating.

The immediate goal of treatment of all diarrheal illnesses is to maintain adequate fluid intake. Infants and small children should not be rehydrated with water alone because it does not contain adequate amounts of sodium, potassium, and other important nutrients. Pedialite or Gatorade can help provide those essential nutrients and balance electrolytes.

Call your child's doctor immediately if the diarrhea lasts more than a few days or if your child seems to be dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dry lips and tongue, skin that is pale and dry, sunken eyes, listlessness or decreased activity, and decreased urination (such as fewer than six wet diapers a day in an infant).

COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS | YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT
PARENTING CHALLENGES | RESOURCES AND INFORMATION | ABOUT THIS PROGRAM
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Healthworks on Videotape

If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.

© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.

Common Illnesses Coughs Colds Flu RSV Ear Infections (Otitus Media) Fevers Vomiting Diarrhea Cavities Stomach Aches Sore Throats Contagious Diseases Lifelong Health Issues Unavoidable Conditions Why Kids Get Sick So Often When To Call The Doctor When To Send Your Child to Daycare Safe Use of Antibiotics		Diarrhea Gastrointestinal infections usually cause diarrhea - frequent and watery bowel movements. Parasites, viruses, or bacteria can all cause diarrheal infections, which means that a child can exhibit a variety of symptoms. Symptoms usually start with crampy, abdominal pain followed by diarrhea. This usually lasts a few days but can last longer in some cases. In the United States, the rotavirus is the most common cause of diarrheal infections. Hand washing is the most effective means of preventing diarrheal infections that are passed from person to person. Dirty hands carry infectious germs into the body when a child bits his nails or puts any part of his hands into his mouth. Children should wash their hands frequently, especially after using the toilet and before eating. The immediate goal of treatment of all diarrheal illnesses is to maintain adequate fluid intake. Infants and small children should not be rehydrated with water alone because it does not contain adequate amounts of sodium, potassium, and other important nutrients. Pedialite or Gatorade can help provide those essential nutrients and balance electrolytes. Call your child's doctor immediately if the diarrhea lasts more than a few days or if your child seems to be dehydrated. Signs of dehydration include dry lips and tongue, skin that is pale and dry, sunken eyes, listlessness or decreased activity, and decreased urination (such as fewer than six wet diapers a day in an infant).
		COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES & INFECTIONS \| YOUR CHILD'S DEVELOPMENT PARENTING CHALLENGES \| RESOURCES AND INFORMATION \| ABOUT THIS PROGRAM BACK TO PRAIRIE PUBLIC TELEVISION \| RETURN TO PRAIRIEPUBLIC.ORG HOME PAGE
		Missed A Program? Healthworks on Videotape If you missed seeing Healthworks on Prairie Public Television, you still have a chance to keep up to date with these important health issues. Order a videotape copy of any of these interesting and informative programs for only $24.95 per program. Order online or call 1-800-359-6900 to order your copies today.
		© 2001 Prairie Public Broadcasting, Inc.