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Most children who have diarrhea get better in about a week. The main danger is dehydration (losing too much fluid). If this happens, your child can get very ill very quickly.

Most cases of diarrhea can be treated at home. But take your child to the doctor if you are at all worried.

The doctor will ask you about your child's symptoms and do an exam. They might look for other causes of your child's symptoms, like an ear infection or a urine infection. They will look for signs of dehydration.

The doctor might recommend rehydration drinks.^{1 2}

If your child is very ill they will have to go to the hospital. Depending on how serious their dehydration is, their treatment might be:^{1 2}

• Being given rehydration drinks and being watched closely
• Being given rehydration solutions through a tube that goes down their nose and into their stomach (nasogastric rehydration)
• Being given fluids through a tube in their vein (an IV or intravenous infusion).

Most children make a good recovery if they get treatment quickly. In very rare cases children can die from severe dehydration.³

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.