The main causes of diarrhea in children
Disease description:
My baby started having mild diarrhea these past two days. Despite taking anti-diarrheal medication, there has been no improvement. We visited the doctor, but they simply said to manage it with basic home care. May I ask, what are the main causes of diarrhea in infants and young children?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua
The main causes of diarrhea in children are diverse and complex, primarily including infectious and non-infectious factors. Among infectious factors, bacterial and viral infections are the most common; for example, bacterial infections such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella, as well as viral infections such as rotavirus and norovirus, can cause intestinal inflammation and lead to diarrhea. Non-infectious factors include improper diet, climate changes, allergic reactions, and certain medication side effects. These factors may affect intestinal function, causing indigestion or malabsorption, which can subsequently trigger diarrhea. Additionally, the underdeveloped digestive system in children also increases their risk of developing diarrhea. Preventing and treating childhood diarrhea requires comprehensive consideration of these causes and the implementation of targeted measures.
