Typical symptoms of diarrhea in children

Infants and young children are a vulnerable group and are easily invaded by diseases. In addition, children's immune system is very poor, which makes it easy for them to have various symptoms. Diarrhea is the most common. There are many types of diarrhea, but it is relatively easy to distinguish them for children. The following is a discussion of the symptoms to help parents understand.

Clinical manifestations:

1. Persistent diarrhea:

The frequency of bowel movements increases, ≥ 4 times a day, the stool characteristics change, and they become watery stools, mucus, or bloody stools. The duration of diarrhea is ≥ 2 weeks.

2. Refractory diarrhea:

The age of onset is relatively young, mostly under 3 months old. The duration of diarrhea exceeds 2 weeks, and there is concurrent malnutrition and growth and development disorders. General treatment is ineffective and the prognosis is relatively serious.

3. Symptoms directly caused by malabsorption:

Weight loss, delayed growth and development, pale complexion, possible glossitis, and discomfort caused by abdominal distension and increased gas production.

There is often diarrhea. If it is fat indigestion, the stool will be light in color, soft, oily and foamy, large in quantity, and have a foul odor. This kind of feces often sticks to the toilet and is difficult to flush away.

4. Manifestations of various deficiencies secondary to malabsorption:

The extent and degree of nutritional deficiencies are related to the severity of the primary disorder and the area and size of the gastrointestinal tract affected.

Vitamin D and calcium deficiency may occur, resulting in convulsions, tetany, and delayed bone and tooth development.

Malabsorption of fat-soluble vitamin K can cause a decrease in prothrombin, leading to skin purpura and bleeding tendency. Riboflavin deficiency can cause glossitis and angular cheilitis.

Protein malabsorption can lead to hypoproteinemic edema, usually in the lower extremities.

5. The relationship between persistent diarrhea and nutrition:

Growth may slow or stop during diarrhea, and weight loss may occur, especially if the diet is restricted.