Diarrhea and Fever in Children: Signs, Causes, and Remedies

Children frequently experience diarrhoea and fever, which can be distressing for both the child and parents. While these symptoms are often caused by minor infections, they can sometimes indicate more serious conditions. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and appropriate treatments is essential for managing diarrhoea in children effectively.

Causes of Diarrhea and Fever in Children

1. Viral Infections

Viruses like rotavirus and norovirus are among the most common fever and diarrhoea causes among children. These infections typically spread through contaminated food, water, or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms often include watery diarrhoea, fever, vomiting, and dehydration, lasting between three and seven days.

2. Bacterial Infections

Bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella can lead to paediatric diarrhoea treatment challenges. These infections often result from consuming contaminated food or drinks and may require medical intervention. Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, fever, stomach pain, and sometimes blood in the stool.

3. Parasitic Infections

Children may have diarrhoea for a long time due to parasites such as Giardia. The infection is usually transmitted as a result of dirty water and a lack of cleanliness. They often lead to persistent watery stools, bloating, fatigue, and mild fever.

4. Food Poisoning

Contaminated food can introduce harmful toxins that trigger sudden episodes of diarrhoea and fever. Symptoms typically develop quickly and may include vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, and sometimes fever. Proper food handling and storage are crucial in preventing foodborne illnesses.

5. Teething

A few babies get a slight paediatric fever and loose stools when teething. Nevertheless, teething alone does not cause diarrhoea. The excess saliva in the mouth and the habit of inserting things into the mouth could expose one to germs that cause disorders in the digestive system.

6. Antibiotic-Associated Diarrhoea

Some antibiotics can upset the normal germs in the belly and cause loose stool in kids. The illness goes away after taking the medication. Probiotics or yoghurt with live bacteria could restore the normal intestinal bacteria and make the symptoms better.

7. Lactose Intolerance

Some children are unable to digest lactose properly, leading to bloating, gas, and diarrhoea after consuming dairy products. Symptoms may occur within a few hours of ingesting milk, cheese, or ice cream and can be managed by avoiding dairy or using lactose-free alternatives.

8. Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD)

Conditions like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic diarrhoea in children, sometimes accompanied by paediatric fever and abdominal pain. These autoimmune conditions require medical management and dietary modifications.

Symptoms and Signs

• Frequent loose or watery stools
• Elevated body temperature
• Stomach cramps or pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Dehydration symptoms (dry mouth, sunken eyes, and decreased urination)
• Fatigue and irritability

When to Seek Medical Help

Seek medical attention if your child experiences:

• High fever (above 102°F)
• Severe dehydration symptoms
• Blood or mucus in stools
• Persistent vomiting
• Diarrhea lasting more than 3 days
• Signs of extreme weakness or confusion

Additional Reading: When to See a Gastroenterologist for Stomach Pain: Key Signs and Symptoms | HCG Hospitals

Home Remedies and Care

• Hydration: Give oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to prevent dehydration. Infants should be breastfed frequently.
• Dietary Adjustments: Offer easy-to-digest foods like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet). Avoid dairy, greasy foods, and sugary drinks.
• Rest: Ensure the child gets enough rest to recover and regain energy.
• Hygiene Practices: Regular handwashing and proper food hygiene help prevent the spread of infections causing diarrhoea in children.
• Use of Probiotics: Probiotic supplements or yoghurt with live cultures can help restore beneficial gut bacteria and shorten the duration of diarrhoea.

Medical Treatment Options

• Fluid Replacement Therapy: Intravenous (IV) fluids may be required for severe dehydration cases where oral intake is insufficient.
• Antibiotics: These are only prescribed if a bacterial infection is confirmed. Avoid self-medicating with antibiotics, as they may worsen viral diarrhoea.
• Antipyretics: Medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage paediatric fever, but dosage should be based on the child’s weight and age.
• Antidiarrheal Medications: These medications are generally not recommended for children unless prescribed by a doctor.
• Nutritional Support: Maintaining a balanced diet with adequate nutrients is essential for a child’s recovery.

Preventive Measures

• Encourage Handwashing: Teach children to wash their hands before eating and after using the restroom.
• Ensure Proper Food Safety: Cook food thoroughly, refrigerate perishables, and avoid raw or unpasteurised products.
• Avoid Contaminated Water Sources: Provide clean drinking water and avoid sharing bottles or utensils.
• Keep Vaccinations Up to Date: Vaccines like the rotavirus vaccine can prevent severe diarrhoea cases in children.
• Promote Good Hygiene Habits: Regularly clean toys, surfaces, and items that children frequently touch.

Conclusion

Although it is usual for children to experience diarrhoea and fever, it is important to know what brings about these diseases as well as their signs so that they can be treated properly. Many instances end up well after receiving the right attention, but there are times when a doctor’s intervention becomes imperative. To get expert advice, consult a paediatric specialist at a leading multispeciality hospital in India, like HCG Hospitals.