What Causes Diarrhoea in Children?

Diarrhoea and vomiting are usually caused by contaminated food or water. It may also be caused by viral gastroenteritis, bacteria and parasites, a non-infectious disease or condition, such as a food allergy or lactose intolerance. 2

Parasites Entering the Body

This usually happens by eating food or drinking water that is contaminated, though some parasites are known to thrive in sandboxes and swimming facilities. 3

Bacterial Infection

Micro-organisms, also known as pathogens, can enter the body through the eyes, the nose, the mouth or through wounds that breach the skin barrier. 4

Digestive Trouble

Intolerance to certain foods can lead to diarrhoea during the normal digestive process. 2

How do you know your Child has Diarrhoea?

Symptoms include excessive bowel movement, which can be accompanied by vomiting. This may lead to dehydration. Any of the following symptoms are to be expected:

Abdominal Pain

Diarrhoea is a digestive irregularity, so cramps and spasms are not uncommon. Abdominal pain could also be present due to bloating as a result of the leaky gut. 2

Urgent, Watery Stools

When stool is unable to harden, urgency to defecate is natural. Diarrhoea involves the repeated passing of loose, thin stools. 2

Fever

Diarrhoea caused by a viral infection in a child is likely to be accompanied by a fever. Make use of a thermometer to determine a child’s temperature. 2

Diarrhoea in Children: Tips & Remedies

When your child is suffering, you need to explore all possible avenues for bringing about relief. When in doubt, always consult with a doctor or healthcare practitioner first.

Offer a variety of fluids

Dehydration is a major risk when your child has diarrhoea. If your child isn’t partial to plain water, offer coconut water, or diluted apple juice. Avoid soft drinks. 5

Adjust your child's diet temporarily

Introduce more bland, starchy foods such as rice, crackers, pasta and mashed potatoes. 6

Monitor stool frequency

Keep track of the urgent need to defecate and determine whether it is getting more, or less, frequent. 1 By doing this you’ll know whether your measures are working.

How to Prevent Diarrhoea in Children

Every parent should have measures in place to prevent the possibility of diarrhoea in their children’s day-to-day life.

Teach hand washing before meals

Make this a non-negotiable practice, and it will prevent many possible bacterial threats from getting into your child’s body.2

Embrace a family-friendly probiotic

Make a habit of taking a probiotic daily, that is gentle enough for the whole family. This can reduce the incidence of many digestive problems. 7

Avoid giving your child foods that have been exposed to bacteria.

Taking Enterogermina® daily will help protect and regulate your child’s stomach, and this, in turn, will help reduce the incidence of diarrhoea.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s never much fun dealing with a little one who is experiencing symptoms of diarrhoea. You probably have a few questions for us. Check out our FAQ.

  • Diarrhoea and vomiting are usually caused by contaminated food or water. It may also be caused by viral gastroenteritis, bacteria and parasites, a non-infectious disease or condition, such as a food allergy or lactose intolerance. 2

  • A child suffering from diarrhoea will benefit from bland, low-fibre foods such as bananas, rice, apples and toast (B.R.A.T). A targeted probiotic is recommended to bring the intestinal flora back into balance, thereby quickly reducing the symptoms of diarrhoea. 7

  • Children’s digestive and immune systems benefit significantly from prebiotic and probiotic supplements. 8 A daily dose of spore-forming bacteria, such as Bacillus clausii, can help reduce the incidence of diarrhoea in children in the long term.

Our Products

Entrogermina's range of products works with the body to deliver effective solutions to various digestive conditions - the key to internal balance.

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Enterogermina® 4 Billion
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Bacillus clausii is a type of spore-forming good bacteria that works to rebalance the flora in your intestine. When consumed regularly, it can help to manage different conditions associated with gut disorders.

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