Although usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. If your child has diarrhea, do not hesitate to call the physician for advice. Diarrhea can be dangerous in children if too much fluid is lost and not replaced quickly. The physician will need to know about your eating habits and medication use and will examine you for signs of illness. Lab technicians analyze a sample of stool to check for bacteria, parasites, or other signs of disease or infection.
Blood tests can be helpful in ruling out certain diseases.
For this test, the physician uses a special instrument to look at the inside of the rectum and lower part of the colon. This test is similar to sigmoidoscopy, but the physician looks at the entire colon. In most cases, replacing lost fluid to prevent dehydration is the only treatment necessary. These medicines sometimes trap the organism in the intestines, prolonging the problem. In these situations, physicians usually prescribe antibiotics.