If the diarrhea persists, call the child's doctor. For diarrhea with mild dehydration, take the child to a physician. The child should be given oral rehydration fluids in the doctor's office, with food and rehydration fluid continued at home. For moderate or severe dehydration, the child should be treated in a healthcare facility. Moderate dehydration may be treated orally, but severe dehydration requires intravenous fluids.
Food can help the intestine absorb more water, which helps slow down the diarrhea.
A child should eat as soon as possible after a bout of diarrhea, and at least within six hours. A balanced diet rich in calories is recommended. Foods such as rice, wheat, potatoes, sorghum, corn, and chicken have all been proven helpful in slowing diarrhea. Just about anything the child tolerates is OK, except for foods high in sugar or salt. Milk products, because they can be difficult to digest, can be withheld for 24 to 48 hours during significant bouts of diarrhea.