Diarrhea - Stevens,PA

It is some kind of stomach bug that is causing the stools to be loose/watery , diarrhea doesn't have to be going several times a day , I would keep them home until it passes , if no other symptoms and it passes after a few days I don't see the need to go to the Dr , a baby is different but a 4 and 7 yr old should be fine.

I agree with the other posters, keep them home from school until it passes. I also second the BRAT diet, with the addition of yogurt if he tolerates it. Keep him hydrated with plenty of water and pedialyte. Since it is most likely a virus, I would call the pediatrician and see if there is anything OTC they recommend to help ease the symptoms until it clears up. Lots of rest. And one more thing, you may want to use something soothing and protective on his bum like a diaper rash cream or vaseline, and using gentle wipes or witch hazel pads to wipe with. I experienced diarrhea like that while I was preggo, and the worst part of it was the burning pain caused by the frequency and consistency of the diarrhea. Good luck, I hope your little ones feel better soon and that the rest of your family, including you, are spared from this illness.

Sorry I would keep him home until his stools are less urgent and more solid. My 4 year-old had this happening last week and was standing up to pee once, thought he had to fart, and ended up with an explosive poop all over the floor behind him! Wow thought I'd seen it all. :) I'm so glad for his sake that it didn't happen at school.

Go very light on the dairy and fruit (other than bananas), keep him hydrated with water and pedialyte, and try to feed him some rice, toast, and bananas until his system can get back to normal.

I wouldn't send my 8 yo to school if he's having urgency going AND watery, loose stool.

I would keep him home until he's had solid stools for at least 24 hours. It can't hurt to call the dr. Maybe you can just talk to the nurse for advice so you don't have to take a trip in. As long as he is not dehydrated and lethargic, I wouldn't worry. Stomach bugs can be quick, but typically from my own experience I always find the vomiting passes quickly but diarrhea tends to linger.

Watery stools = diarrhea. Your family is in the clutches of a contagious infection, which is usually viral or bacterial, and is not something other families in your preschool will appreciate being exposed to. Most daycares include wellness rules about attendance, and that generally includes no diarrhea for at least ______ hours/days. Be fair to other working families and keep your kids at home until they are well.

I would keep him home until he's better or he could wind up in a very embarrassing situation. At 7 he's not going to miss anything that urgent anyway.

Diarreha is, unfortunately, something I have loads of experience with since I've had IBS since I was 19 and had to learn what avoid. Also I've been through the whole intestinal bug thing with my 4 children over the years.

Avoid fruit juices. Stuff like Kool Aid is better (pretty much time the only time I buy it) If he'll drink Pedialyte, better yet (my kids won't touch the stuff, unfortunately). Go with the BRAT diet (bananas, white rice, applesauce, and dry white toast) until he feels better. Things like Jello and non-fruit juice ice pops (like Hoodsie Pops) are ok too. Their systems might be a little sensitive for a few days after they've gotten over it, so you might still have to avoid fruits and fruit juices, high fiber foods, dairy products, and fatty foods.
They should be back to normal in a day or 2. Hang in there :)

Florastor for Kids - most pharmacists keep it behind the counter, but call ahead just to make sure they have it. My ped. recommended it and it literally stopped my daughters pure liquid diarrhea from the stomach flu in two doses. Mix it in juice or yogurt - it's sweet. I keep in in the house all the time now!

Hi, G.:
Get some friendly bacteria (probiotics).
D.