Skip to main content

Ask an Expert

What causes diarrhoea in children?

Answered on 11th January 2016

Diarrhoea is defined as passing looser or more frequent stools than is normal. Whilst it is usually nothing to be too worried about, it can be very distressing and unpleasant for your little one until it passes. This can be anywhere between a few days to a week.

Diarrhoea in children can be a symptom of a number of different diseases, but a common infectious cause of diarrhoea is a bowel infection called gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis can be caused by a number of different things, including  bacteria  that are often picked up from contaminated food or a  virus  such as rotavirus or norovirus. Children can also get diarrhoea from  parasites  that live in contaminated water.

Related heath advice articles

Fever (high temperature)

What’s normal for your little one? And how can you soothe a high temperature?

Fever information and help

Post-immunisation fever

A mild fever after an immunisation is common. So how can you make your baby feel better?

Immunisation: what to expect

Aches & pains

With all that growing up to do, your baby is bound to feel a few aches and pains along the way.

Reducing aches & pains

Related Information

Cold

How can you tell a cold from the flu? And what can you do to help your child feel better.

Have a question about our products?

Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about CALPOL® and our range of treatments.