HomeAnswersInternal MedicinediarrheaMy 3-year-old son has diarrhea for a week. Is this a viral infection?

Is a week-long diarrhea in a 3-year-old serious?

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Medically reviewed by

Dr. Nithila. A

Published At June 23, 2019
Reviewed AtApril 19, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 3-year-old son had diarrhea for a week. He has thrown up a couple of times throughout the week as well. He was eating and drinking normally and has appetite. There does not seem to be any blood in the stool. And his belly ache goes away after each diarrhea episode which he has many each day. He is usually drinking as well. His doctors seem to believe that it is a viral infection and will go away in time. We just started a bland diet for him. Should I be overly worried? He is active and wants to eat and drink. So is this something more serious than we think or am I too worried?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

If there is no blood in stools, it is mostly viral. It usually gets settle in five days. Important here is maintaining hydration. Make sure you give him plenty of fluid, ORS (oral rehydration solution). If he is vomiting, you can ask your doctor to prescribe Ondansetron. Give him probiotics and keep a watch on urine output. If he is passing adequate urine, then there is no point of worry.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

We are giving him a probiotic as well. His urine output is fine. This is the day the sixth of diarrhea.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suppose you shall wait for two days more. If you are not relieved get a stool test done.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

He had a better day today. One bout of diarrhea at noon then a small loose but less watery stool at after some time and nothing since. He has had lots of starchy food today. Some bread, pancakes and some white meat chicken and plenty of water.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I suppose he would recover in the next two to three days.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Anshul Varshney
Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine

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