Test Your Knowledge About Diarrhea in Kids

  • Which of these statements about diarrhea in children is true?

     

    A. Mild diarrhea almost always clears up in a few days

     

    B. Diarrhea can make kids feel weak and “dried out.”

     

    C. Diarrhea can cause unhealthy weight loss

     

    D. All of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Children with diarrhea often do not feel well, but mild cases may clear up in just a few days. More severe diarrhea may last longer. Changing what children with diarrhea eat and drink can help them feel better.

  • It can be hard to tell if a baby has diarrhea.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. It’s normal for babies’ stools to be soft and loose, plus they have frequent bowel movements in their first couple of months. Babies who suddenly start having more bowel movements may have diarrhea. Other signs include having more than one stool per feeding and watery stools.

  • Which of these can cause diarrhea in children?

     

    A. A stomach illness

     

    B. Antibiotics

     

    C. Certain foods

     

    D. Cancer treatment

     

    E. All of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Whatever causes their diarrhea, children need to drink plenty of fluids so they don’t get dehydrated. They also may need to change their eating habits for awhile. Ask your doctor before giving over-the-counter medicines for diarrhea. These drugs can make some infections worse.

  • Diarrhea can irritate a baby’s skin. What will help prevent a rash?

     

    A. Change the infant’s diapers often

     

    B. Use a diaper ointment or cream

     

    C. Avoid wipes that have alcohol or perfume

     

    D. Comfort your baby as much as possible

     

    E. A, B, and C

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is A, B, and C. Changing baby's diaper often can help prevent a rash. Let your baby’s bottom air out after you remove a wet diaper. Before putting on a clean diaper, apply a diaper cream or ointment to help soothe a sore bottom. Comforting your baby will help your little one feel better, but it won't prevent a rash.

  • Children with diarrhea can drink which of the following to replace lost fluids?

     

    A. Watered-down sports drinks, such as Gatorade

     

    B. Clear liquids

     

    C. Special over-the-counter fluids and frozen freezer pops made for children with diarrhea

     

    D. Breast milk, Pedialyte, or watered-down formula (for infants)

     

    E. All of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. Popsicles and JELL-O are other good choices for clear fluids, especially when a child is vomiting. You can get a lot of fluids into your child slowly this way and not overfill the stomach. Infants should have breast milk or Pedialyte. Use watered-down formula only as a short-term treatment.

  • There is no "best" diet for children with diarrhea.

     

    A. True

     

    B. False

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is true. However, children usually tolerate bland foods better. In most cases, you should continue feeding your baby or child as usual. Most children can keep up with the nutrients lost through diarrhea if they eat more. Always continue breast-feeding or formula feeding babies.

  • Yogurt with live active cultures may help children whose diarrhea is caused by:

     

    A. The stomach flu

     

    B. A cold

     

    C. Antibiotics

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is antibiotics. Diarrhea caused by antibiotics may get better when children eat yogurt with live active cultures. Check the label to make sure it’s the right yogurt. If the diarrhea doesn’t improve, check with the doctor to discuss changing or stopping the child’s antibiotic.

  • Which of the following is a sign your child needs more fluids?

     

    A. Not urinating for more than six hours

     

    B. Dark yellow urine

     

    C. Dry eyes with fewer or no tears

     

    D. Dry tongue and inside of mouth

     

    E. All of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. A child who needs water passes dark yellow urine and will urinate less. Call your doctor if your child starts to show signs of dehydration, has blood or mucus in the stool, a persistent fever, or stomach pain.

  • Children can avoid getting diarrhea when traveling out of the country by only drinking:

     

    A. Water from the tap in the hotel

     

    B. Bottled water

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is bottled water. When traveling in developing countries, you can also lower your chances of getting diarrhea by avoiding uncooked vegetables or fruits that don’t have peels, raw shellfish, and undercooked meat.

  • This healthy habit can lower the risk for illnesses that cause diarrhea:

     

    A. Washing your hands a lot, especially after using the bathroom and before eating

     

    B. Using alcohol-based hand gel often

     

    C. Teaching children to not put objects in their mouth

     

    D. All of the above

    Correct Answer
    The correct answer is all of the above. It’s never too early to start teaching children what they can do to stay healthy.