Diarrhea (Age 1-5)
Definition – Diarrhea is:
- The sudden increase in the number and looseness of stools
- Diarrhea means 2 or more watery stools.
- Reason: a few loose stools can be normal with changes in diet.
- Most diarrhea is caused by a viral infection of the intestines.
Health Information Diarrhea Scale:
Mild: 2-5 watery stools per day
Moderate: 6-9 watery stools per day
Severe: 10 or more watery stools per day
The main risk of diarrhea is dehydration.
• Loose or runny stools do not cause dehydration.
• Frequent, watery stools can cause dehydration.