Parent guide

Diarrhoea in Children

Diarrhoea means passing stools that are looser or more frequent than usual. In children it is commonly caused by infection, but food intolerance, medicines, inflammation and other digestive conditions can also contribute. The immediate priority is preventing dehydration while watching for blood, severe pain, persistent vomiting or a child who is becoming unusually sleepy.

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A parent comforting a child with tummy discomfort at home
Paediatric gastroenterologyThe specialist who helps.
Common signs

What parents may notice

  • Frequent loose or watery stools
  • Thirst or dry mouth
  • Fewer wet nappies or less urine
  • Tiredness or irritability
  • Fever or vomiting
  • Abdominal cramps
  • Blood or mucus in stool
  • Poor feeding in an infant
Possible reasons

What can cause it?

Viral gastroenteritis is common, but bacterial infection, parasites, antibiotic use, food-related illness, lactose intolerance, coeliac disease and inflammatory conditions can also cause diarrhoea. The child's age, duration, travel, medicines and associated symptoms guide testing.

When to book

When should your child be assessed?

  • Diarrhoea is persistent or keeps returning
  • There is blood in stool
  • The child is losing weight or not growing
  • Symptoms follow antibiotics or travel
  • There is significant abdominal pain or repeated fever
Urgent warning signs

When to seek immediate care

  • Marked sleepiness, weakness or poor responsiveness
  • No urine for many hours or very dry mouth
  • Repeated vomiting with inability to drink
  • Blood in stool with severe pain
  • A young infant who appears unwell
At the specialist visit

How the concern may be evaluated

  • Hydration and growth assessment
  • Review of stool pattern, diet and medicines
  • Stool or blood tests when indicated
  • Assessment for persistent digestive causes
  • Rehydration, nutrition and follow-up plan
Prepare

What to do before the visit

  • Note stool frequency and duration
  • Bring a list of medicines and recent antibiotics
  • Record urine output and fluid intake
  • Bring prior stool or blood reports
Clinical owner
Relevant Lavender Lane paediatric speciality
Location
Sector 90, Noida
Last updated
August 2026
Questions parents ask

The real questions, answered.

Not what we wish you'd ask. What you're actually thinking when you find this page.

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What should a child drink during diarrhoea?

Use an age-appropriate oral rehydration solution as advised. Sugary drinks and undiluted juices can worsen diarrhoea in some children.

Should food be stopped?

Children usually continue age-appropriate feeding as tolerated. A clinician can advise when vomiting, dehydration or another condition changes the plan.

When is diarrhoea considered persistent?

Symptoms lasting beyond the expected course, recurring frequently or affecting growth need medical review.

Are antibiotics always needed?

No. Many episodes are viral. Antibiotics are used only when the likely cause and clinical situation support them.

What are signs of dehydration?

Reduced urine, dry mouth, no tears, sunken eyes, unusual tiredness and poor drinking can indicate dehydration.

Persistent symptoms deserve a clear next step.

Speak with Paediatric Gastroenterology or contact our team to organise the right starting point.

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