- diarrhea lasting less than 14 days
- in children, almost all diarrhea is due to an infectious agent
- most etiologies are self-limited and do not need further evaluation except in the following conditions:
- infants < 2 months of age
- gross blood in stool
- WBC's on microscopic exam of stool
- toxic-appearance
- immunocompromised child
- diarrhea developing while an inpatient
- therapy is aimed at oral rehydration and providing nutrional needs
- ORT is best with commerical formulations specific for this as most other clear liquids (juice, sodas) are hypertonic and have excess glucose resulting in ongoing diarrhea-like stools
- after rehydration, resume the child's normal diet.
References
MedStudy Pediatrics Board Review Core Curriculum