Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a common illness in children, causing loose and watery stools and stomach upset. If your child has the urge to go to the bathroom more often or complains of a stomach ache, they may need pediatric gastroenterology. Israel Kochin M.D. offers acute care and chronic diarrhea management for children of all ages at his practice in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, and the Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens, New York. Call the nearest office or book an appointment online today to learn more.

What is diarrhea? 

Diarrhea is a common gastrointestinal disorder in children that causes them to have frequent watery, loose stools. While children may experience diarrhea on occasion, such as while traveling or having a food intolerance, they should recover within a couple of days. 

If their bowel movements are consistently liquid, they may have a problem. Diarrhea can be acute, meaning it lasts only for a short time. Or, it can be chronic and persistent. 

While acute diarrhea lasts less than two weeks, chronic diarrhea lasts four weeks or more. Dr. Kochin can determine the underlying cause of your child’s diarrhea (and its severity) and help you find a solution. 

What symptoms accompany diarrhea?

Children may experience a wide range of symptoms when they have diarrhea, including: 

• Belly pain
• Upset stomach 
• Cramping
• Nausea 
• Fever
• Loss of appetite 
• An urgent need to use the bathroom 
• Frequently using the bathroom
• Brown, tan, green, or yellow colored stools (normal)
• Bloody stools (abnormal)

If your child has severe diarrhea, it may be a sign of a serious problem. Since diarrhea has similar symptoms to other health conditions, it’s best to see Dr. Kochin for an evaluation.

What causes diarrhea?

Diarrhea is linked to several causes, and many acute cases are often associated with bacterial or viral infections. 

However, with chronic diarrhea, it may be caused by an underlying health issue, such as:

• Food intolerance 
• Food allergy
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) 
• Irritable bowel disease (IBD) 
• Pancreatitis 
• Celiac disease 
• Ulcerative colitis
• Crohn’s disease 
• Colon polyps
• Colon cancer 

Dr. Kochin understands the worry that parents have when their children are ill. At his pediatric gastroenterology practice, he specializes in working with children of all ages, helping you find the underlying causes of diarrhea and providing the relief that your children need. 

Your child may need diagnostic tests, such as stool testing, X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or an ultrasound to determine their underlying cause. Then, Dr. Kochin creates a personalized treatment plan for your child’s diarrhea. 

What are the treatments for diarrhea?

Treatment for diarrhea depends on the severity of your child’s symptoms. With acute diarrhea, symptoms often resolve on their own without medical intervention. If your child has a bacterial infection, they may need antibiotics. 

Other conservative treatments Dr. Kochin may recommend include: 

• Restoring hydration with electrolyte-rich fluids 
• Eating liquid foods like broth and soups 
• Avoiding milk or other dairy products for at least 24-48 hours
• Avoiding spicy foods

Surgery may be necessary for certain health conditions associated with diarrhea. 

To receive pediatric-focused care for your child’s diarrhea symptoms, call the nearest office of Israel Kochin M.D. or book an appointment online today.