Pediatrics Common Questions, Quick Answers

Chronic Diarrhea (Chronic Gastroenteritis)

Donna D'Alessandro, M.D.
Lindsay Huth, B.A.
Peer Review Status: Internally Reviewed
Creation Date: March 2002
Last Revision Date: April 2002

• What is chronic diarrhea?
• What causes it?
• Who can get it?
• What are the symptoms?
• What are signs of dehyrdation?
• Is it contagious?
• How is it treated?
• How long does it last?
• Can it be prevented?
• When should I call the doctor?

What is chronic diarrhea?

• Chronic diarrhea is a common childhood condition.
• Chronic diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts for more than 2 weeks.

What causes it?
It can be caused by a parasitic, bacterial, or viral infection.

It also can be caused by:

• Medication
• Illness
• Disease
• Food
• Water
• Allergies
• Surgery
• Heredity (common in certain families)
• Bowel disorder (intestines may not work right)
• Travel (contact with dirty food and water)

Who can get it?

• Chronic diarrhea may occur more often in certain families.
• Children with weakened immune systems (from a disease or infection) are at higher risk.
• People who travel are at higher risk. The food or water in some places may cause diarrhea.
• Children in daycare, students living in college dorms, and military personnel are at high risk.

What are the symptoms?

• Diarrhea (watery bowel movements)
• Stomach cramps
• Fever
• Loss of appetite
• Upset stomach
• Weight loss
• Dehydration

If your child has the following symptoms, call the doctor:

• Bloody stools
• Black stools
• Stools have pus or mucus in them
• High fever
• Extreme dehydration

What are signs of dehydration?

• Thirst
• Weakness
• Feeling tired or faint
• Dark colored urine
• Dry skin
• Dry mouth
• No tears when crying
• Sunken cheeks or eyes
• Irritability
• No wet diapers for 4-6 hours or more

Is it contagious?

• Yes. Depending on its cause, chronic diarrhea can be contagious.
• Infection can be spread in food and water.
• It can be spread by close contact with an infected person.
• Pets can sometimes spread infection.

How is it treated?

• The doctor will try to find out what is causing it.
• The doctor will need to know your child's symptoms and medical history.
• The doctor may need to takes tests.
• Some cases can be treated with antibiotics.
• Other cases may require surgery.
• Take steps to prevent dehydration.
• Give your child an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte or Oralyte. These can be bought at the store without a prescription.
• Avoid caffeine, soft drinks, and too many sports drinks.
• Talk to your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medicines.

How long does it last?

• It may last a few days. This is called acute diarrhea.
• Chronic diarrhea lasts for more than 2 weeks.

Can it be prevented?

• Wash hands often, especially after using the restroom or before touching food.
• Wash hands often if you are around an infected person.
• Wash your hands after playing with animals.
• Keep the kitchen clean, especially when preparing raw meat, eggs, and poultry.
• Avoid eating undercooked (pink) meat.
• Put leftovers in the refrigerator right away.
• Avoid drinking from streams or lakes.
• Drink clean or purified water when traveling. Even using ice or brushing your teeth with dirty water can cause infection. Bottled water is generally safe.
• Be careful when buying food from street vendors when traveling. Avoid eating milk products, fish, and meat that is not hot when served.

When should I call the doctor?

• If your child has extreme or very painful symptoms, call the doctor.
• Call your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medicines.
• Call your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.

Quick Answers

• Chronic diarrhea is a common childhood condition.
• It can be caused by infection, illness, medication, food, or allergies.
• Children in daycare and students living in college dorms are at high risk.
• Symptoms include stomach cramps, fever, loss of appetite, and dehydration.
• Signs of dehydration include thirst, weakness, dark colored urine, and dry skin.
• Chronic diarrhea can sometimes be contagious.
• Make sure your child drinks plenty of fluids.
• Chronic diarrhea lasts for more than 2 weeks.
• To prevent infection, wash your hands often and avoid dirty food and water.
• Call your doctor before giving your child any over-the-counter medications.

References

• CDC. Fact Sheet: Chronic Diarrhea. 1999 August 15 (cited 2002 February 14). URL: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/diarrhea/factsht_chronic_diarrhea.htm
• Lamprecht, C. Teens Health: Gastrointestinal Infections and Diarrhea. KidsHealth. 2000 November (cited 2002 February 14). URL: http://www.kidshealth.org/teen/infections/intestinal/diarrhea.html
• NIDDK. Diarrhea. 1999 January (cited 2002 February 14). NIH. URL: http://www.niddk.nih.gov/health/digest/pubs/diarrhea/diarrhea.htm

See related Patient Topics Diarrhea, Digestive Diseases--General, Digestive System, Gastroenteritis or Symptoms and Manifestations.

See related Provider Topics Diarrhea, Digestive Diseases--General, Digestive System, Gastroenteritis or Symptoms and Manifestations.

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