Bacteria that may
contaminate food or water include campylobacter, salmonella, shigella, and E. coli,
according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
(NIDDK). Viruses that can cause diarrhea include rotavirus (especially in children),
Norwalk virus (found in some shellfish), cytomegalovirus, and viral hepatitis. Personal
who are lactose intolerant are not able to digest the sugar found in milk and often
have
diarrhea if they drink milk or other dairy products. Diarrhea also may be caused by
parasites such as giardia lamblia, entamoeba histolytica, and cryptosporidium. Diarrea
also may be caused by medicines such as antibiotics and antacids that contain magnesium.

Celiac disease is a
digestive disease caused by the body's abnormal response to gluten, a protein found
en
wheat, rye, and barley. In people with celiac disease, the gluten causes a loss of
el
villi, the finger-like projections in the intestine that absorb nutrients and fluids.
Esto conduce a diarrea crónica, gases y otros problemas digestivos. Irritable bowel
syndrome is a disorder that interferes with the function of the large intestine (colon).
La diarrea es uno de los síntomas del síndrome del intestino irritable. Others include belly (abdominal) pain, bloating, and
constipation. Diabetes can also cause constipation or diarrhea.

Before the rotavirus
vaccine was first available in 2006, almost all children in the U.S. were infected
con
it before their fifth birthday. Rotavirus infection causes severe diarrhea and leads
a
a hospital stay for thousands of children younger than 5 each year in the U.S.,
according to the CDC. Muchos de los casos ocurren en el invierno y al principio de la primavera. They
son
common in daycare centers and children's hospitals. Rotavirus diarrhea usually goes
away
in 3 to 8 days. Not all children infected with rotavirus have symptoms.

La diarrea aguda suele durar entre algunos días y 4 semanas. Often it's caused by a
bacterial,
viral, or parasitic infection. Chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea that lasts
more than a month. It often is a symptom of another condition such as celiac disease.
Según el Instituto Nacional de la Diabetes y las Enfermedades Digestivas y Renales, debe comunicarse con su profesional de la salud en los siguientes casos:

• La diarrea dura más de 2 días
• Tiene 6 o más deposiciones blandas en 24 horas
• Tiene dolor intenso en el vientre (abdomen) o en el recto
• Tiene al menos 102° F (39° C) de fiebre
• Tiene deposiciones con sangre o deposiciones negras y de aspecto alquitranado
• Presenta signos de deshidratación

Also call the
provider right away if: your child does not get better within 24 hours of developing
diarrhea, the child has severe pain in the belly or rectum, the child's stools contain
blood or pus, or they are black. Diarrhea can be dangerous in babies and young children
because of the danger of dehydration. Don't give your child antidiarrhea medicine
without checking with the provider first. Medicines for adults may be dangerous when
given to children.

Water is very
important in preventing dehydration. But because you also need electrolytes, you can
drink broth and soups. Las bayas y las verduras también son buenas opciones. Don't have
drinks that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, and soda. Fruit juice, sugary drinks,
and sports drinks can make diarrhea and dehydration worse. For babies and children
con
more than mild diarrhea, a healthcare provider often advises special drinks called
oral
rehydration solution. Estas bebidas contienen electrolitos. You can buy oral rehydration solution
at drugstores and most grocery stores.

It's best to eat
soft, bland foods until your diarrhea goes away and stay away from milk, milk products,
and foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or very sweet, according to the NIDDK.
Children with diarrhea usually can continue to eat their normal diet, including milk,
si
the diarrhea is mild.

Other tips from the
NIDDK include: Don't eat raw or rare meat or fish; don't eat meat or shellfish that
es
not hot when served; don't eat food from street vendors. Drinks that are safe to consume
include bottled water that has been sealed, hot drinks such as coffee and tea (made
con
bottled water), and carbonated soft drinks. You don't need to worry about traveler's
diarrhea when visiting Canada, most European countries, Japan, Australia, or New
Zealand.