COMMON CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES AND CONDITIONS

DIARRHEA

Diarrhea is a sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of bowel move­ment. Please note that breast fed babies normally have frequent watery or seedy stools. It is NORMAL to have up to 10 stools per day or to go three days without having a stool. However, report a rapid increase in stools to your doctor, espe‑
cially if the baby has been acting sick, has a fever, or has slow weight gain. Be sure to watch for signs of dehydration.

HOME CARE:

• If the child is showing no signs of dehydration, continue to feed your child her age-appropriate diet! That means you continue with breast-feeding, formula, or regular foods.
• Most recent studies show that it does NOT help to restrict your child's diet. The American Academy of Pediatrics no longer suggests the BRAT (Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, Toast) diet or the dilution of formula or other fluids.
• DO NOT give antidiarrheal medicines due to side effects unless instructed to do so by your doctor.

CALL YOUR DOCTOR DURING OFFICE HOURS IF YOUR CHILD:

• Has more than 10 stools in 24 hours
• Has pus or mucus in the stool
• Diarrhea last more than 10 days

CALL YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY IF YOU SEE:

• Signs of dehydration
• Blood

Symptoms associated with fevers over 102