Why does my child keep having loose stools?
Loose stools mean passing watery or very soft stools three or more times in a day. They may
be caused by infections, food allergies, food intolerance, or problems with digestion. Long-
lasting diarrhea can affect growth and nutrition and should be evaluated by pediatric
gastroenterologist.
What should I do if my child has diarrhea?
Keep your child well hydrated with ORS and continue regular feeding. Avoid giving
antibiotics without medical advice. See a gastroenterologist if your child becomes
dehydrated, has blood in the stool, or the diarrhea lasts for several days.
Why does my child have mucus in the stool?
Small amounts of mucus may occur with infections. However, repeated mucus, especially if
associated with blood or poor weight gain, should be evaluated.
Why is there blood in my child’s stool?
Blood may occur because of constipation, infections, food allergies, or bowel inflammation.
It should always be assessed by a pediatric gastroenterologist and may require endoscopic
evaluation.
