Chronic Diarrhea in Children
Chronic diarrhea in children is a condition that can impact their daily lives significantly. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments can help manage this condition effectively.
At RWJBarnabas Health, our comprehensive pediatric gastroenterology services provide expert care for children with chronic diarrhea, ensuring they receive the best possible treatment and support.
What Is Chronic Diarrhea?
Chronic diarrhea refers to loose or more frequent stools (poop) lasting beyond four weeks. This condition can have various causes and may lead to complications if left untreated.
Chronic Diarrhea Causes
While most infectious causes of diarrhea resolve within two weeks, chronic diarrhea can be due to:
- Inflammatory gastrointestinal conditions. These include inflammatory bowel disease and celiac disease, often associated with blood in the stool or poor weight gain.
- Malabsorption issues. Difficulty absorbing sugars like lactose or fructose, leading to diarrhea, pain, and flatulence. Often issues with fructose can be seen in toddlers who consume excessive amounts of juice.
- Diet. Certain foods can adversely affect the flow of food through the digestive system. Coffee and alcohol, for example, can induce diarrhea. Some people may be more sensitive than others to particular foods or drinks.
- Medication-induced diarrhea. Side effects from various medications, particularly laxatives and antibiotics.
- Disorders of gut-brain interaction. Conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, especially common in school-aged children, cause diarrhea with abdominal pain but without blood in stool or weight loss.
Chronic Diarrhea Symptoms
Symptoms of chronic diarrhea can include:
- Loose and semi-formed or watery stools
- Belly pain
- Blood in the stool
- Weight loss
- Increased flatulence
Chronic Diarrhea Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis typically involves an initial history and physical exam.
Blood tests or stool tests may be conducted to evaluate for disorders like celiac disease, inflammatory bowel disease, infections like Clostridium difficile (often called C. difficile or C. diff), or parasites.
In some cases, an upper endoscopy or colonoscopy may be required to examine the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.
Chronic diarrhea may be linked to the body not absorbing nutrients as well as it should. It may also cause dehydration, so patients often benefit from addressing dietary needs and staying hydrated.
Treatment for chronic diarrhea depends on its cause and may involve medications as well as dietary changes.
Help for Chronic Diarrhea
If your child is experiencing chronic diarrhea, contact RWJBarnabas Health to schedule an appointment with our pediatric gastroenterology team. We are here to provide comprehensive care and support to help your child lead a healthy and active life.