Diarrhea, Age 11 and Younger

Emergencies

Yes	Does your child have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

• Signs of shock
• Severe dehydration

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

Yes	Does your child have severe diarrhea?
Yes	Are your child's stools black or bloody?
Yes	Does your child have diarrhea with cramping abdominal pain?
Yes	Does your child have diarrhea and localized abdominal pain?
Yes	Does your child have diarrhea and a fever?
Yes	Does your child have diarrhea and signs of mild to moderate dehydration?
Yes	Has your child had ongoing diarrhea or diarrhea that comes and goes?
Yes	Has your child had mild to moderate diarrhea?
Yes	Do you think your child's diarrhea may be caused by a medicine?

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Does your child have any of the following symptoms?

• Nausea or vomiting: Go to the topic Vomiting, Age 3 and Younger or Nausea and Vomiting, Age 4 and Older.
• Ongoing (chronic) abdominal pain: Go to the topic Abdominal Pain, Age 11 and Younger.

Note:

If your baby younger than 3 months of age is becoming increasingly fussy during the evening, but there has been little or no diarrhea (there may be loose stools), you may be able to talk to your doctor over the telephone about colic. For more information, see the topic Colic.

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

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Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS	Last Updated: April 28, 2008
Medical Review:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
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