Can infantile diarrhea cause acidosis?

Jun 17, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My child has recently had diarrhea, and I'm particularly worried about the possibility of acidosis. Can pediatric diarrhea cause acidosis?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Zhou Xiaofeng
Pediatric diarrhea can indeed lead to acidosis. When a child experiences prolonged diarrhea, large amounts of alkaline substances and water are lost through feces, causing internal environmental disturbances that may trigger metabolic acidosis. Additionally, fluid loss during diarrhea can reduce renal blood flow in children, leading to decreased urine output and impaired excretion of acidic substances, thereby increasing the risk of acidosis. Acidosis is characterized by elevated hydrogen ion concentration and decreased pH in the blood, which may adversely affect multiple organ systems, including the nervous system, heart, liver, and kidneys. Therefore, when a child has diarrhea, parents should closely monitor the child's electrolyte status, maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, and promptly take measures to alleviate diarrhea symptoms to prevent the development of acidosis.