If black or bloody stools are present or if abdominal pain is severe. Dehydration can develop in infants and small children within hours. The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination will be performed, including detailed examination of the abdomen. The risk of developing the most common forms of diarrhea can be reduced by observing good hygiene including hand washing and avoiding contaminated food, utensils or other objects. Children should be taught not to put objects in their mouth.
Hand washing is recommended before and after using the bathroom and before meals.
Don't try to stop diarrhea as soon as it develops. Diarrhea is the body's way of getting rid of whatever food, virus, or bug that is causing it. Diarrhea that comes on suddenly and ends in a day or two is usually caused by an infection or food poisoning . Treatment for simple diarrheal illness consists of giving clear liquids and maintaining adequate hydration. This may be accomplished by giving fluids including oral rehydration fluids.