Diarrhea, Age 11 And Younger: Check Your Symptoms

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When to See a Doctor

Does your child have diarrhea with cramping abdominal pain?

See significance of cramping abdominal pain 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 any of the following questions.

Note:

Do not allow your child to eat until you have talked with your child's doctor. You may give your child sips of water or oral rehydration solution (ORS).

Yes

Does your child have severe abdominal pain?

Yes

Does your child's diarrhea look like red jelly?

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

Yes

Does your child have moderate abdominal pain?

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

Has your child had mild abdominal pain 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