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You are here : 3-RX.com > Medical Encyclopedia > Diseases and Conditions > Diarrhea in Children
      Category : Health Centers > Digestive System

Diarrhea in Children

Overview, Causes, & Risk Factors | Symptoms & Signs | Diagnosis & Tests | Prevention & Expectations | Treatment & Monitoring

Diarrhea is a condition in which loose, watery stools are passed with greater frequency than normal.

What is going on in the body?

Diarrhea occurs when the colon or large intestine becomes irritated. This can be caused by many things, including infection, chemical toxins, inflammation, stress, or anxiety. The colon responds to this irritation in the following ways:

  • The amount of water and mucous in the stool is increased.
  • The amount of water the colon reabsorbs from the stool is decreased.
  • The intestine empties the stools from the body with increased frequency.
  • What are the causes and risks of the condition?

    Most of the time, diarrhea in children is caused by the viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Diarrhea is often associated with vomiting. There are other causes of diarrhea, such as:

  • bacteria that invade the intestinal tract
  • gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome
  • inherited birth defects, such as cystic fibrosis
  • the introduction of a new food
  • toxins from contaminated food

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    Next section

       

    Diarrhea in Children: Symptoms & Signs

    Author: Eileen McLaughlin, RN, BSN
    Reviewer: Lama Rimawi, MD
    Date Reviewed: 08/06/01



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