Red flags & when to go in person for Diarrhea (Acute) in Children

Audience: pediatric

Acute diarrhea in children is common and often improves with simple care at home. It means your child has loose or watery stools that last a short time, usually less than two weeks. Most cases are caused by infections and do not need medicines. However, diarrhea can sometimes lead to dehydration, which is serious, especially in young children. Watching for warning signs helps you know when to seek in-person care. These include signs like little or no urine, extreme sleepiness, or bloody stools. Telemedicine can help assess mild cases and guide home care, but some symptoms require a doctor’s physical exam or tests. Keeping your child hydrated and monitoring symptoms closely are key steps. This guide helps you understand when to manage diarrhea at home, when to use telemedicine, and when to go to a clinic or emergency room for your child’s safety.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Child has no urine for 6 hours or more — seek immediate medical care.
• Child shows extreme sleepiness, difficulty waking, or unresponsiveness — go to emergency.
• Stools contain blood or look black and tarry — get urgent in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild diarrhea without dehydration signs
• Guidance on hydration and diet
• Monitoring symptoms and deciding if in-person care is needed

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe dehydration signs
• Bloody or black stools
• Persistent high fever
• Severe abdominal pain or vomiting
• Diarrhea lasting more than a few days

What is Acute Diarrhea in Children?

Acute diarrhea means your child has loose or watery stools that start suddenly and usually last less than two weeks. It can happen due to infections like viruses or bacteria, or sometimes from food or medicines. Most children get better quickly with simple care at home.

Signs of Dehydration to Watch For

Dehydration happens when your child loses too much fluid. Look for these signs:

If you see these, your child needs medical care quickly.

When to Seek In-Person Care

Go to a clinic or emergency room if your child has:

These symptoms may need tests or treatments that cannot be done through telemedicine.

How Telemedicine Can Help

Telemedicine can be useful to:

It cannot replace physical exams or urgent treatments if your child is very sick.

Preventing and Managing Diarrhea at Home

To help your child recover:

Watch your child closely and call a doctor if symptoms worsen.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Note how many diarrhea episodes your child has had and for how long
• Observe and record any signs of dehydration or other symptoms
• Have a list of your child's current medications and allergies ready
• Prepare to describe your child's recent food and fluid intake
• Ensure a quiet place with good internet or phone connection for the tele-visit

After your tele-visit

• Follow the hydration and feeding advice given by the telemedicine provider
• Monitor your child’s symptoms closely for any worsening
• Keep a record of stool frequency and appearance
• Seek in-person care promptly if red flags appear
• Schedule a follow-up telemedicine visit if symptoms persist or worsen

FAQs

Can I give my child medicine to stop diarrhea?

Usually, medicines to stop diarrhea are not recommended for children because they can cause harm or delay recovery. Focus on keeping your child hydrated and feeding them normally. Always ask a healthcare provider before giving any medicine.

How can I prevent my child from getting diarrhea?

Good hygiene is key. Wash hands often, especially after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food. Make sure food is cooked properly and water is clean. Breastfeeding infants also helps protect them.

When should I worry about dehydration?

If your child is drinking very little, has dry mouth, no tears when crying, sunken eyes, or has not urinated for 6 hours or more, these are signs of dehydration. Seek medical care immediately.

Is diarrhea contagious?

Yes, many causes of diarrhea, especially viruses and bacteria, can spread from person to person. Good handwashing and cleaning surfaces help prevent spread.

Sources

1. Diarrhea in Children — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
2. Diarrhea: Causes and Treatment — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
3. Diarrhea in Children: When to Seek Care — American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP).
4. Acute Diarrhea in Children: Clinical Overview — Mayo Clinic.

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional in-person medical care. If your child shows any severe symptoms or red flags, seek immediate medical attention.