Diarrhea

Diarrhea in Children: What Parents Should Know

Diarrhea is a common issue in children and usually isn’t serious—but it can lead to dehydration, especially in infants and toddlers.

Common Causes: Viral infections, bacterial infection, food allergies or intolerance, antibiotics side effects and poor hygiene or contaminated food.

Signs to Watch:

• Frequent loose or watery stools
• Stomach pain, fever, or vomiting
• Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, few wet diapers, no tears)

Home Care:

• Keep your child hydrated with fluids or oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte
• Continue breastfeeding or formula for infants
• Feed bland, easy-to-digest foods (e.g., rice, bananas, toast)
• Avoid sugary drinks and fatty foods

Call Our Office If:

• Your child is under 6 months old
• There’s blood in the stool or persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration appear
• Diarrhea lasts more than a few days

Prevention Tips:

• Practice good hand hygiene
• Keep vaccinations up to date (e.g., rotavirus vaccine)
• Serve clean, well-prepared food and water

How We Can Help:

Dr. Sima Stein of Sima Stein, MD, located in San Jose, California, is a board-certified physician who can help your child determine if he or she has a diarrhea and how to help them manage it. Learn more about diarrhea and the ways Dr. Stein can help you and your child manage their condition. Our team can assess underlying causes, recommend dietary changes, and provide safe, age-appropriate treatments—including anti diarrheal agents when necessary.

If you're concerned about your child’s bowel habits, we’re here to help. Call our office to schedule an evaluation. Sima Stein, MD, or request an appointment online today.