Diarrhea in children: causes

Diarrhea viruses are often transmitted in kindergarten.

Viral infections are among the most common causes of diarrhea in children. Rotaviruses or noroviruses in particular are common triggers. In addition, diarrhea can also occur as a side effect of antibiotic therapy. Persistent or recurring diarrhea can in turn be related to underlying diseases or food intolerances and should always be clarified with a doctor.

Good to know: Pursuant to Section 34 (1) of the Infection Protection Act, children under the age of six are not allowed to visit community facilities if they have an infectious diarrhea. Only 48 hours after the symptoms have subsided, e.g. B. Kindergarten, day care center or primary school can be visited again.

Children: diarrhea often caused by an infection

The immune system from Children not yet fully developed, therefore the susceptibility to viral or bacterial infections is fundamentally increased. In fact, it is often viruses or bacteria (e.g. salmonella) that cause diarrhea in children. Fungi or parasites are less common.

We would like to present two of the most common viral pathogens here:

rotavirus

Rotaviruses are considered the main cause of diarrhea in children under 5 years of age worldwide. 1 In fact, over 70 percent of all diarrheal diseases in children are due to a rotavirus infection. According to the Robert Koch Institute (RKI), rotaviruses are responsible for diarrhea in children up to 5 years of age in 61 percent of cases in 2009. The name rotavirus comes from the Latin meaning of rota – wheel. In fact, under the microscope, the virus is reminiscent of a wheel with spokes.

children & Diarrhea:
Overview of triggers

  • Infection with viruses (e.g. noroviruses, rotaviruses)
  • Infection with bacteria (e.g. E. coli bacteria, salmonella)
  • Infection with fungi or parasites)
  • Nutrition (e.g. high-fiber diet)
  • Side effects of antibiotic therapy (AAD)
  • Food intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance)
  • Underlying disease (e.g. Crohn’s disease)

Toddler’s diarrhea
(Crawler-diarrhea)

  • Start: At the age of 6-36 months
  • Increased stool frequency (2-10 times a day) with liquid-mushy, greenish, foul-smelling stools
  • Diarrhea increases during the day, no diarrhea at night
  • No further complaints, no impaired development, good drinking behavior
  • Possibly. Reinforcement by certain foods (e.g. fruit juices, foods that are too hot or too cold)

Here is an overview of the most important facts about rotaviruses:

  • Age peak: between 6 months and 2 years
  • Frequent occurrence from February to April
  • High risk of infection – 10 virus particles are sufficient for an infection!
  • Transmission z. B. by contaminated water or food, objects, handles, toys
  • Most common outbreaks of rotavirus in schools or kindergartens
  • Incubation period: 1-3 days (time from infection to onset of the disease)
  • Duration of illness: 2-6 days
  • Contagion risk for about 8 days
  • Vaccination against rotavirus (swallowing vaccination) recommended by the STIKO for all infants under 6 months

Norovirus

Norovirus is also one of the dreaded triggers for "gastrointestinal flu" in children. The name goes back to the first description of an outbreak in Norwalk (USA, Ohio) in year 1968 back.

  • Frequent occurrence in the winter months
  • High risk of infection – 10-100 virus particles are sufficient for an infection
  • Fecal-oral transmission (pathogens that have been eliminated are inadvertently ingested via the mouth, e.g. due to poor hygiene, contaminated drinking water or contaminated food)
  • Incubation time 6 to 50 hours (time from infection to onset of the disease)
  • Sudden, gushy vomiting is typical at first
  • Duration of illness 1 to 3 days
  • Infection risk about 7 to 14 days after the acute illness
  • Stubbornly sticks to objects or food

Infection with the adenovirus can also be responsible for children’s diarrhea.

Other causes of diarrhea in children

In addition to viral infections, other triggers for diarrhea in children can be considered:

  • Bacterial infection (E. coli)
  • Nutrition (e.g. laxative fruit juices, high fiber diet)
  • Breastfeeding problems (wheezing)
  • Taking antibiotics (antibiotic-associated diarrhea)
  • Food intolerance (e.g. lactose intolerance)
  • Food allergy (e.g. allergy to cow’s milk)
  • Underlying diseases such as Crohn’s disease

One thing is certain: If children under the age of 2 have diarrhea, a doctor should always be consulted. Even with persistent or recurring diarrhea, a visit to the doctor is important to clarify the causes.

Further articles:

* Fields of application: complaints for acute diarrhea and traveler’s diarrhea (prevention and treatment)

1 Robert Koch Institute: Epidemiological Bulletin. September 2, 2013 / No. 35

Perenterol ®: Package Leaflets International

Here you can download our package inserts in 9 languages.

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MEDICE Arzneimittel Pütter GmbH & Co. KG.
Kuhloweg 37, 58638 Iserlohn

Perenterol ® 50 mg capsules / Perenterol ® forte 250 mg capsules. Active ingredient: Dry yeast from Saccharomyces cerevisiae HANSEN CBS 5926 (synonym: Saccharomyces boulardii). Application areas: For the treatment of symptoms of acute diarrhea. For the prevention and treatment of complaints from traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea with tube feeding. For accompanying treatment for long-lasting forms of acne. For children from 2 years and adults in self-medication. For children under 2 years only after consultation with the doctor. Read the information leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist about risks and side effects. As of November 2018.

Perenterol ® Junior 250 mg powder. Active ingredient: Dry yeast from Saccharomyces cerevisiae HANSEN CBS 5926 (synonym: Saccharomyces boulardii).
Application areas: For the treatment of symptoms of acute diarrheal diseases, including traveler’s diarrhea and diarrhea with tube feeding. To prevent traveler’s diarrhea. For use in diarrhea in adults, adolescents and children from 6 months. To prevent traveler’s diarrhea in adults and children aged 12 and over. To Risks and For side effects, read the package leaflet and ask your doctor or pharmacist. As of November 2018.

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