What Do You Know About Diarrhea?

Bacteria that may contaminate food or water include campylobacter, salmonella, shigella, and E. coli, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). Viruses that can cause diarrhea include rotavirus (especially in children), Norwalk virus (found in some shellfish), cytomegalovirus, and viral hepatitis. People who are lactose intolerant are not able to digest the sugar found in milk and often have diarrhea if they drink milk or other dairy products. Diarrhea also may be caused by parasites such as giardia lamblia, entamoeba histolytica, and cryptosporidium. Diarrhea also may be caused by medicines such as antibiotics and antacids that contain magnesium.

Celiac disease is a digestive disease caused by the body's abnormal response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. In people with celiac disease, the gluten causes a loss of the villi, the finger-like projections in the intestine that absorb nutrients and fluids. This leads to chronic diarrhea, gas, and other digestive problems. Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that interferes with the function of the large intestine (colon). Diarrhea is one symptom of IBS; others include belly (abdominal) pain, bloating, and constipation. Diabetes can also cause constipation or diarrhea.

Before the rotavirus vaccine was first available in 2006, almost all children in the U.S. were infected with it before their fifth birthday. Rotavirus infection causes severe diarrhea and leads to a hospital stay for thousands of children younger than 5 each year in the U.S., according to the CDC. Many of the cases occur in the winter and early spring. They are common in daycare centers and children's hospitals. Rotavirus diarrhea usually goes away in 3 to 8 days. Not all children infected with rotavirus have symptoms.

Acute diarrhea typically lasts only a few days to 4 weeks. Often it's caused by a bacterial, viral, or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea that lasts more than a month. It often is a symptom of another condition such as celiac disease. According to the NIDDK, you should call your healthcare provider if:

• Your diarrhea continues for more than 2 days
• You pass 6 or more loose stools in 24 hours
• You have severe pain in your belly (abdomen) or rectum
• You have a fever of at least 102°F (39°C)
• You have blood in your stool or have black, tarry stools
• You have signs of dehydration

Also call the provider right away if:

• Your child does not get better within 24 hours of developing diarrhea
• Your child has severe pain in the belly or rectum
• Your child's stools contain blood or pus, or they are black

Diarrhea can be dangerous in babies and young children because of the danger of dehydration. Don't give your child antidiarrhea medicine without checking with the provider first. Medicines for adults may be dangerous when given to children.

Water is very important in preventing dehydration. But because you also need electrolytes, you can drink broth and soups. Soft fruits and vegetables are also good choices. Don't have drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, and soda. Fruit juice, sugary drinks, and sports drinks can make diarrhea and dehydration worse. For babies and children with more than mild diarrhea, a healthcare provider often advises special drinks called oral rehydration solutions. These contain electrolytes. You can buy oral rehydration solution at drugstores and most grocery stores.

It's best to eat soft, bland foods until your diarrhea goes away and stay away from milk, milk products, and foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or very sweet, according to the NIDDK. Children with diarrhea usually can continue to eat their normal diet, including milk, if the diarrhea is mild.

Other tips from the NIDDK include: Don't eat raw or rare meat or fish; don't eat meat or shellfish that is not hot when served; don't eat food from street vendors. Drinks that are safe to consume include bottled water that has been sealed, hot drinks such as coffee and tea (made with bottled water), and carbonated soft drinks. You don't need to worry about traveler's diarrhea when visiting Canada, most European countries, Japan, Australia, or New Zealand.