Diarrhea is a frequent concern for parents, especially in young children. It involves an increase in the number of stools per day and/or a loosening of stool consistency. While diarrhea is often temporary, understanding its causes and when to seek medical attention is essential.

Acute Diarrhea Acute diarrhea refers to diarrhea that lasts for less than a week. It is most common during the winter months, and children under 3 years old experience about one to three episodes per year. The good news is that most cases of acute diarrhea resolve on their own within a few days. However, if diarrhea persists or is accompanied by symptoms like dehydration, a visit to a healthcare provider is recommended.

Chronic Diarrhea Chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea lasting for more than four weeks. The frequency of bowel movements increases, and stools tend to become more loose or liquid. Chronic diarrhea can have various causes, ranging from dietary issues to diseases requiring long-term medical care. It’s important to differentiate chronic diarrhea from temporary bouts of diarrhea, as chronic cases may require thorough medical evaluation.

Toddler’s Diarrhea Also known as chronic nonspecific diarrhea of childhood, toddler’s diarrhea typically affects children aged 6 months to 5 years. Children with this condition can have between 3 and 10 loose stools per day, often occurring after meals. Despite the frequent diarrhea, these children typically continue to grow and gain weight normally, as long as they consume sufficient calories. Toddler’s diarrhea is not a disease and generally resolves on its own by the time the child reaches school age.

Additional Resources:

• Toddler’s Diarrhea by GI Kids (PDF)
• Toddler’s Diarrhea by GI Kids (PDF en Español)

These resources provide helpful information for understanding the causes, management, and treatments of diarrhea in children.