From the Guidelines
Diarrhea in a 16-month-old typically should last less than 7 days, and if it persists beyond this period, it is considered prolonged and may require medical evaluation. According to the 2017 Infectious Diseases Society of America clinical practice guidelines for the diagnosis and management of infectious diarrhea 1, acute watery diarrhea, which includes most cases of viral gastroenteritis in children, usually lasts less than 7 days. The guidelines categorize diarrhea into four types based on duration: acute watery diarrhea lasting less than 7 days, prolonged diarrhea lasting 7-13 days, persistent diarrhea lasting 14-29 days, and chronic diarrhea lasting 30 days or longer.
Key Considerations for Diarrhea in a 16-Month-Old
- Most cases of diarrhea in toddlers are caused by viral infections and resolve on their own without specific treatment 1.
- The mainstay of management is ensuring adequate fluid and electrolyte intake to prevent dehydration 1.
- Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte can be given in small, frequent amounts to help manage mild diarrhea.
- Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, no tears when crying, or unusual drowsiness, warrant immediate medical attention.
- Fever over 102°F, blood in stool, or severe abdominal pain also require prompt medical evaluation.
Prevention and Treatment
- General measures to reduce the risk of infectious diarrhea include hand hygiene, proper food preparation and storage, and avoidance of high-risk foods and unsafe water 1.
- Rotavirus vaccine, recommended for infants, has significantly reduced the burden of acute gastroenteritis in children and indirectly benefits adults through community protection 1.
- For mild diarrhea, continuing regular feeding and offering extra fluids can help prevent dehydration, while avoiding fruit juices and sugary drinks is recommended as they can worsen diarrhea.
From the Research
Duration of Diarrhea in 16-Month-Old Children
- The duration of diarrhea in children can vary depending on the treatment approach, with some studies suggesting that the use of oral rehydration solutions (ORS) containing zinc and prebiotics can limit the duration of diarrhea 2.
- A study published in 2011 found that the rate of diarrhea resolution at 72 hours was higher in children treated with a hypotonic ORS containing zinc and prebiotics compared to those treated with a standard hypotonic ORS (50% vs 72.9%, P = .010) 2.
- Another study published in 2008 found that zinc supplementation plus ORS was effective in reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea in children, with a significant reduction in hospitalization rates and care-seeking behavior for diarrhea 3.
- The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children with acute diarrhea be treated with ORS, and that zinc supplementation be considered for children with severe diarrhea or those who are malnourished 4, 5.
Factors Affecting Diarrhea Duration
- The duration of diarrhea can be influenced by various factors, including the type and severity of the diarrhea, the child's age and nutritional status, and the effectiveness of the treatment approach.
- A study published in 1999 found that providing ORS to families at the time of their office visit for acute diarrhea was associated with a significant increase in ORS use and a reduction in unscheduled follow-up visits for diarrhea 6.
- The use of zinc supplementation has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of diarrhea in children, and is recommended by the World Health Organization and the American Academy of Pediatrics 4, 3.