Diarrhea, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have diarrhea and signs of mild to moderate dehydration?

See significance of dehydration if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your child's symptoms.

Call your child's health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Does your child have signs of moderate dehydration, and he or she is unable to drink enough liquid to replace lost fluids?

Call your child's health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes

Does your child have signs of moderate dehydration?

Yes

Does your child have signs of mild dehydration, and he or she is unable to drink enough liquid to replace lost fluids?

You may wait to see if your child's symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes

Does your child have signs of mild dehydration for longer than 24 hours?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your symptoms.

Last updated:	April 28, 2008
Author:	Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Reviewed By:	Michael J. Sexton, MD - Pediatrics, Thomas Emmett Francoeur, MDCM, CSPQ, FRCPC - Pediatrics
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer