What causes infant diarrhea? Is diarrhea the primary symptom of gastroenteritis? Many parents have experienced their baby having diarrhea. Pediatric diarrhea is a condition caused by various pathogens and multiple factors. Most affected children are under 2 years old, with infants aged 6 to 11 months being particularly susceptible. Diarrhea peaks primarily from June to September and from October to January of the following year.Summer diarrhea is typically caused by bacterial infections, often presenting as mucus-containing stools with a foul odor. Autumn diarrhea is frequently caused by rotavirus, characterized by watery or loose, paste-like stools without a foul odor.
Diarrhea ranks second only to acute respiratory infections in incidence. Without timely and effective treatment, it carries a high mortality rate. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance resulting from diarrhea are major causes of death. If your baby experiences increased bowel movements or significant changes in stool color and consistency, it warrants close attention.Based on clinical presentation, infant diarrhea can be classified as mild or severe. Causes of Infant Diarrhea Infant diarrhea may result from viral infections (such as gastroenteritis) or bacterial infections. It can also stem from parasites, antibiotic use, milk allergies, or, in older infants, excessive juice consumption.
Causes of Baby's Diarrhea: Gastroenteritis or Bacterial Infections
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis (also known as stomach flu) is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can cause diarrhea in infants, children, and adults.Gastroenteritis is common and can be caused by many different viruses. The most frequent pathogen is rotavirus, responsible for half of all hospitalizations for diarrhea in young children, with outbreaks peaking in late fall and early winter. If your baby has diarrhea accompanied by stomach cramps, vomiting, and a low-grade fever, it's likely gastroenteritis. Note that if your baby isn't eating or drinking much, they may lose significant fluids.
Bacterial Infections
Severe diarrhea (sometimes with vomiting), accompanied by abdominal pain, bloody stools, and fever, is often caused by viruses or bacteria (such as E. coli or Salmonella). Some infections resolve on their own, but others can be very serious (like infections from E. coli found in undercooked meat).Therefore, if your baby exhibits these symptoms, take them to see a doctor. The doctor will examine them and may perform a stool culture to determine if a bacterial infection is present.
Parasites
Parasitic infections can also cause diarrhea. For example, giardiasis (also known as trichomoniasis) is caused by a microscopic parasite that lives in the intestines.Parasites spread easily in group settings and require specific medications to treat. Practicing good hygiene, such as washing hands frequently after changing diapers, is the best way to stop the spread of parasitic infections. Antibiotics If your baby develops diarrhea during or after antibiotic treatment, it may be related to the medication. Inform your doctor to see if an alternative medication or treatment can be used.
Causes of Baby's Diarrhea Gastroenteritis or bacterial infection
Food Factors
Drinking too much juice (especially those containing sorbitol and high concentrations of fructose) or sugary beverages may also upset your baby's stomach and cause loose stools. Reducing these foods should lead to improvement within about a week.It is recommended not to give juice to babies under 6 months old. After 6 months, daily juice intake should not exceed approximately 113–170 milliliters. Improperly prepared formula can also cause diarrhea, so be sure to mix formula with water according to the recommended ratio.
Milk Allergy
Milk allergies are not uncommon and can cause diarrhea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.If your baby is allergic to cow's milk, symptoms may appear within minutes to hours after consuming formula made with cow's milk or dairy products (if they've started solid foods). If you suspect milk is causing your baby's diarrhea, consult your doctor for detailed advice.