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==Overview==
==Overview==
Diarrhea defines as an increase in frequency or change in consistency of stool to become more liquid; which is different than normal for that person is called [[diarrhea]]. [[Causes]] include [[infections]], diet intolerance, malnutrition, etc. Diarrhea is usually self-limited. Severe cases of dehydration may require treatment.


==Historical Perspective==
==Historical Perspective==


*Hippocrates first coined the term diarrhea which was derived from the Greek word "diarrhoia", which translates into "flowing through".
*Hippocrates first coined the term diarrhea which was derived from the Greek word "diarrhoia", which translates into "flowing through".<ref name="urlAncient Origin of the Word Diarrhea and Other Common Medical Terms">{{cite web |url=http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/01/ancient-origin-word-diarrhea-common-medical-terms/ |title=Ancient Origin of the Word 'Diarrhea' and Other Common Medical Terms |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
*It was described as a symptom of a lot of conditions such as intestinal parasites, cholera, and in relation to improper water and food handling.
*It was described as a symptom of a lot of [[conditions]] such as intestinal [[parasites]], [[cholera]], and in relation to improper water and food handling.
<ref name="urlAncient Origin of the Word Diarrhea and Other Common Medical Terms">{{cite web |url=http://www.todayifoundout.com/index.php/2014/01/ancient-origin-word-diarrhea-common-medical-terms/ |title=Ancient Origin of the Word 'Diarrhea' and Other Common Medical Terms |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>


==Classification==
==Classification==
*Chronic diarrhea in children may be classified according to the following subtypes/groups:
*Chronic [[diarrhea]] in children may be classified according to the following subtypes/groups:<ref name="pmid29654747">{{cite journal |vauthors=Thiagarajah JR, Kamin DS, Acra S, Goldsmith JD, Roland JT, Lencer WI, Muise AM, Goldenring JR, Avitzur Y, Martín MG |title=Advances in Evaluation of Chronic Diarrhea in Infants |journal=Gastroenterology |volume=154 |issue=8 |pages=2045–2059.e6 |date=June 2018 |pmid=29654747 |pmc=6044208 |doi=10.1053/j.gastro.2018.03.067 |url=}}</ref>
 
:*Osmotic: due to unabsorbed nutrients
:*Osmotic: due to unabsorbed nutrients
:*Secretory: due to imbalances in ion secretion
:*Secretory: due to imbalances in ion secretion
:*Mixed: stool osmotic gap (50-100 mOsm) <ref name="pmid29654747">{{cite journal |vauthors=Thiagarajah JR, Kamin DS, Acra S, Goldsmith JD, Roland JT, Lencer WI, Muise AM, Goldenring JR, Avitzur Y, Martín MG |title=Advances in Evaluation of Chronic Diarrhea in Infants |journal=Gastroenterology |volume=154 |issue=8 |pages=2045–2059.e6 |date=June 2018 |pmid=29654747 |pmc=6044208 |doi=10.1053/j.gastro.2018.03.067 |url=}}</ref>
:*Mixed: stool osmotic gap (50-100 mOsm)
 
==Pathophysiology==
==Pathophysiology==
*The pathogenesis of [disease name] is characterized by [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3].
*The [gene name] gene/Mutation in [gene name] has been associated with the development of [disease name], involving the [molecular pathway] pathway.
*On gross pathology, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
*On microscopic histopathological analysis, [feature1], [feature2], and [feature3] are characteristic findings of [disease name].
==Causes==
==Causes==
*Diarrhea in children can be divided into acute and chronic causes:
*Diarrhea in children can be divided into acute and chronic [[causes]]: <ref name="urlDiarrhea in Children - Pediatrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition">{{cite web |url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/symptoms-in-infants-and-children/diarrhea-in-children |title=Diarrhea in Children - Pediatrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> <ref name="urlDiarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology">{{cite web |url=https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-in-children/ |title=Diarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> <ref name="pmid32278065">{{cite journal |vauthors=D'Amico F, Baumgart DC, Danese S, Peyrin-Biroulet L |title=Diarrhea During COVID-19 Infection: Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Management |journal=Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol |volume=18 |issue=8 |pages=1663–1672 |date=July 2020 |pmid=32278065 |pmc=7141637 |doi=10.1016/j.cgh.2020.04.001 |url=}}</ref>
*Acute:
*Acute:
**use of antibiotics
**Use of [[antibiotics]]
**gastroenteritis
**G[[gastroenteritis|astroenteritis]]
**allergies
**[[Allergies]]
**food poisoning
**[[Food poisoning]]
 
*Chronic:
*Chronic:
**diet-related
**Diet-related
**infectious causes
**[[Infection|Infectious]] causes
**autoimmune such as celiac
**Autoimmune such as [[celiac|celiac disease]]
**inflammatory bowel disease <ref name="urlDiarrhea in Children - Pediatrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition">{{cite web |url=https://www.msdmanuals.com/professional/pediatrics/symptoms-in-infants-and-children/diarrhea-in-children |title=Diarrhea in Children - Pediatrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
**I[[inflammatory bowel disease|nflammatory bowel disease]]
 
*Few other causes of chronic diarrhea in children are:
*Few other causes of chronic diarrhea in children are:
**lactose intolerance
**L[[lactose intolerance|actose intolerance]]
**irritable bowel syndrome
**I[[irritable bowel syndrome]]
**non-specific: from consumption of artificially sweetened drinks in a large amount, eg: sports drinks, juice, etc https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-in-children/
**Non-specific: from consumption of artificially sweetened drinks in a large amount, eg: sports drinks, juice, etc.
 
*[[Covid-19]]
==Differentiating [disease name] from other Diseases==
==Differentiating Diarrhea in children from other Diseases==
 
For further information about the differential diagnosis, click [[Disease_Name differential diagnosis|here]].
For further information about the differential diagnosis, click [[Disease_Name differential diagnosis|here]].


==Epidemiology and Demographics==
==Epidemiology and Demographics==
 
*In 2017, 8% of all deaths in children all over the world were due to diarrhea. <ref name="urlDiarrhoea - UNICEF DATA">{{cite web |url=https://data.unicef.org/topic/child-health/diarrhoeal-disease/ |title=Diarrhoea - UNICEF DATA |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> <ref name="pmid16102650">{{cite journal |vauthors=Dennehy PH |title=Acute diarrheal disease in children: epidemiology, prevention, and treatment |journal=Infect Dis Clin North Am |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=585–602 |date=September 2005 |pmid=16102650 |doi=10.1016/j.idc.2005.05.003 |url=}}</ref>
*2-3 million deaths per year occur every year due to acute diarrhea especially in developing countries.
*2-3 million deaths per year occur every year due to [[acute diarrhea]] especially in developing countries.
*9% of all hospitalizations in the United States under the age of 5 are due to diarrhea.
*9% of all hospitalizations in the United States under the age of 5 are due to diarrhea.
*In the age group of less than 3 years the incidence of diarrhea is noted to be 1.3-2.3 episodes per child annually. <ref name="pmid16102650">{{cite journal |vauthors=Dennehy PH |title=Acute diarrheal disease in children: epidemiology, prevention, and treatment |journal=Infect Dis Clin North Am |volume=19 |issue=3 |pages=585–602 |date=September 2005 |pmid=16102650 |doi=10.1016/j.idc.2005.05.003 |url=}}</ref>
*In the age group of fewer than 3 years, the incidence of diarrhea is noted to be 1.3-2.3 episodes per child annually.
   
   
===Age===
===Age===
 
*In one study conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam on children <5 years of age with diarrhea; it was found that 40.9% were 1 year and below and 71.0% were 2 years and below.
*In one study conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam on children <5 years of age with diarrhea; it was found that 40.9% were 1 year and below and 71.0% were 2 years and below.  
<ref name="pmid16458564">{{cite journal |vauthors=Vu Nguyen T, Le Van P, Le Huy C, Nguyen Gia K, Weintraub A |title=Etiology and epidemiology of diarrhea in children in Hanoi, Vietnam |journal=Int J Infect Dis |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=298–308 |date=July 2006 |pmid=16458564 |doi=10.1016/j.ijid.2005.05.009 |url=}}</ref>
<ref name="pmid16458564">{{cite journal |vauthors=Vu Nguyen T, Le Van P, Le Huy C, Nguyen Gia K, Weintraub A |title=Etiology and epidemiology of diarrhea in children in Hanoi, Vietnam |journal=Int J Infect Dis |volume=10 |issue=4 |pages=298–308 |date=July 2006 |pmid=16458564 |doi=10.1016/j.ijid.2005.05.009 |url=}}</ref>


===Gender===
===Gender===
 
*Female gender has a lower risk of diarrheal disease. <ref name="pmid26293136">{{cite journal |vauthors=Pinzón-Rondón ÁM, Zárate-Ardila C, Hoyos-Martínez A, Ruiz-Sternberg ÁM, Vélez-van-Meerbeke A |title=Country characteristics and acute diarrhea in children from developing nations: a multilevel study |journal=BMC Public Health |volume=15 |issue= |pages=811 |date=August 2015 |pmid=26293136 |pmc=4546125 |doi=10.1186/s12889-015-2120-8 |url=}}</ref>
*[Disease name] affects men and women equally.
*[Gender 1] are more commonly affected with [disease name] than [gender 2].
*The [gender 1] to [Gender 2] ratio is approximately [number > 1] to 1.
===Race===
 
*There is no racial predilection for [disease name].
*[Disease name] usually affects individuals of the [race 1] race.
*[Race 2] individuals are less likely to develop [disease name].


==Risk Factors==
==Risk Factors==
 
*Travel to countries with poor sanitary conditions, swimming, daycare, sick contacts at home and school, antibiotics usage. [[Autoimmune]] conditions such as celiac and inflammatory bowel disease. <ref name="urlDiarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology">{{cite web |url=https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-in-children/ |title=Diarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
*Travel to countries with poor sanitary conditions, swimming, daycare, sick contacts at home and school, antibiotics usage. Autoimmune conditions such as celiac and inflammatory bowel disease. <ref name="urlDiarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology">{{cite web |url=https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-in-children/ |title=Diarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>


==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
==Natural History, Complications and Prognosis==
 
*Moderate to severe diarrhea can cause [[dehydration]] in children. Severe dehydration can cause [[seizures]], [[dizziness]], lack of energy, dry skin, etc. <ref name="urlDiarrhea in Children: Why It Happens & How To Stop It">{{cite web |url=https://www.webmd.com/children/guide/diarrhea-treatment#2 |title=Diarrhea in Children: Why It Happens & How To Stop It |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
*The majority of patients with [disease name] remain asymptomatic for [duration/years].
*Usually prognosis is good, and most cases resolve in a few days.
*Early clinical features include [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
*If left untreated, [#%] of patients with [disease name] may progress to develop [manifestation 1], [manifestation 2], and [manifestation 3].
*Common complications of [disease name] include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].
*Prognosis is generally [excellent/good/poor], and the [1/5/10­year mortality/survival rate] of patients with [disease name] is approximately [#%].


==Diagnosis==
==Diagnosis==
===Diagnostic Criteria===
===Diagnostic Criteria===
*The diagnosis of diarrhea is made when either the frequency of bowel movements increases or the consistency of stools becomes looser than what is normal for that child. <ref name="urlDiarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology">{{cite web |url=https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-in-children/ |title=Diarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
*The diagnosis of diarrhea is made when either the frequency of bowel movements increases or the consistency of stools becomes looser than what is normal for that child. <ref name="urlDiarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology">{{cite web |url=https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-in-children/ |title=Diarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
:*[criterion 1]
:*[criterion 2]
:*[criterion 3]
:*[criterion 4]


===Symptoms===
===Symptoms===
Signs and symptoms that indicate severe disease: <ref name="urlGastroenteritis in Children - American Family Physician">{{cite web |url=https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0201/p159.html |title=Gastroenteritis in Children - American Family Physician |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>


Signs and symptoms that indicate severe disease:
:*[[Altered mental status]]
 
:*Altered mental status
:*Vomiting with bile or blood in it
:*Vomiting with bile or blood in it
:*Cyanosis
:*[[Cyanosis]]
:*Increased irritability and/or crying
:*Increased irritability and/or crying
:*Rash
:*[[Rash]]
:*Fast breathing
:*Fast breathing
:*Temperature of 104 F (40C) or more
:*Temperature of 104 F (40C) or more
:*Age less than six months or baby with low body weight <ref name="urlGastroenteritis in Children - American Family Physician">{{cite web |url=https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0201/p159.html |title=Gastroenteritis in Children - American Family Physician |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
:*Age less than six months or baby with [[low body weight]]


===Physical Examination===
===Physical Examination===
*Patients with severe diarrhea usually appear toxic.
*Physical examination may be remarkable for: <ref name="urlDiagnosis of Chronic Diarrhea in Children | NIDDK">{{cite web |url=https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/digestive-diseases/chronic-diarrhea-children/diagnosis#:~:text=During%20a%20physical%20exam%2C%20a%20doctor%20typically.%20checks,find%20the%20cause%20of%20chronic%20diarrhea%20in%20children%3F |title=Diagnosis of Chronic Diarrhea in Children &#124; NIDDK |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> <ref name="urlDiagnosing and treating diarrhea in children">{{cite web |url=https://notes.childrenshospital.org/diarrhea-in-children/ |title=Diagnosing and treating diarrhea in children |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>


*Patients with [disease name] usually appear [general appearance].
:*tenderness
*Physical examination may be remarkable for:
:*[[low blood pressure]]
 
:*dry skin
:*[finding 1]
:*history of [[constipation]] which may be leading to overflow diarrhea.
:*[finding 2]
:*right lower abdominal quadrant tenderness caused by [[pseudoappendicitis]] can also be caused by causes like [[Yersinia enterocolitica]], [[intussusception]], [[hemolytic uremic syndrome]], etc.
:*[finding 3]
:*[finding 4]
:*[finding 5]
:*[finding 6]


===Laboratory Findings===
===Laboratory Findings===
 
*Measurement of serum bicarbonate concentration of more than 15mEq per L is the laboratory finding used to evaluate 5% or less dehydration. [[Hypernatremic dehydration]] can be confirmed by serum sodium levels. <ref name="urlGastroenteritis in Children - American Family Physician">{{cite web |url=https://www.aafp.org/afp/2019/0201/p159.html#afp20190201p159-c1 |title=Gastroenteritis in Children - American Family Physician |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref> <ref name="urlDiarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology">{{cite web |url=https://gi.org/topics/diarrhea-in-children/ |title=Diarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
*There are no specific laboratory findings associated with [disease name].
*If there is evidence of blood or [[mucus in stool]], or if the patient is immunocompromised, then stool microbiological tests can be done. They are, however, not required in suspected viral cases.
 
*Stool culture results can sometimes become available only after 3-5 days, in some infectious causes, the organism is not visible even on stool testing.
*A  [positive/negative] [test name] is diagnostic of [disease name].
*An [elevated/reduced] concentration of [serum/blood/urinary/CSF/other] [lab test] is diagnostic of [disease name].
*Other laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of [disease name] include [abnormal test 1], [abnormal test 2], and [abnormal test 3].


===Electrocardiogram===
===Electrocardiogram===
There are no ECG findings associated with [disease name].
There are no ECG findings associated with diarrhea.
 
OR
 
An ECG may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an ECG suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].


===X-ray===
===X-ray===
There are no x-ray findings associated with [disease name].
*Usually not indicated but may be done to rule out structural anomalies of the digestive tract. <ref name="urlChronic Diarrhea in Children - What You Need to Know">{{cite web |url=https://www.drugs.com/cg/chronic-diarrhea-in-children.html#:~:text=%20Your%20child%20may%20need%20the%20following%20tests%3A,examine%20the%20inside%20of%20your%20child%27s...%20More%20 |title=Chronic Diarrhea in Children - What You Need to Know |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
 
OR
 
An x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an x-ray suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
 
OR
 
There are no x-ray findings associated with [disease name]. However, an x-ray may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].


===Echocardiography or Ultrasound===
===Echocardiography or Ultrasound===
There are no echocardiography/ultrasound findings associated with [disease name].
*Severe dehydration in children caused by acute diarrhea can be measured by ultrasound evaluation of the ratio of aorta/inferior vena cava. <ref name="pmid21040103">{{cite journal |vauthors=Levine AC, Shah SP, Umulisa I, Munyaneza RB, Dushimiyimana JM, Stegmann K, Musavuli J, Ngabitsinze P, Stulac S, Epino HM, Noble VE |title=Ultrasound assessment of severe dehydration in children with diarrhea and vomiting |journal=Acad Emerg Med |volume=17 |issue=10 |pages=1035–41 |date=October 2010 |pmid=21040103 |doi=10.1111/j.1553-2712.2010.00830.x |url=}}</ref>
 
OR
 
Echocardiography/ultrasound  may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an echocardiography/ultrasound suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
 
OR
 
There are no echocardiography/ultrasound  findings associated with [disease name]. However, an echocardiography/ultrasound  may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].


===CT scan===
===CT scan===
There are no CT scan findings associated with [disease name].
There are no CT scan findings associated with diarrhea in children.
 
OR
 
[Location] CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on CT scan suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
 
OR
 
There are no CT scan findings associated with [disease name]. However, a CT scan may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].


===MRI===
===MRI===
There are no MRI findings associated with [disease name].
There are no MRI findings associated with diarrhea in children.
 
OR
 
[Location] MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on MRI suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].
 
OR
 
There are no MRI findings associated with [disease name]. However, a MRI may be helpful in the diagnosis of complications of [disease name], which include [complication 1], [complication 2], and [complication 3].


===Other Imaging Findings===
===Other Imaging Findings===
There are no other imaging findings associated with [disease name].
There are no other imaging findings associated with diarrhea.
 
OR
 
[Imaging modality] may be helpful in the diagnosis of [disease name]. Findings on an [imaging modality] suggestive of/diagnostic of [disease name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].


===Other Diagnostic Studies===
===Other Diagnostic Studies===
 
*[[Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy]] or [[colonoscopy]] may be done. <ref name="urlChronic Diarrhea in Children - What You Need to Know">{{cite web |url=https://www.drugs.com/cg/chronic-diarrhea-in-children.html#:~:text=%20Your%20child%20may%20need%20the%20following%20tests%3A,examine%20the%20inside%20of%20your%20child%27s...%20More%20 |title=Chronic Diarrhea in Children - What You Need to Know |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
*[Disease name] may also be diagnosed using [diagnostic study name].
*Findings on [diagnostic study name] include [finding 1], [finding 2], and [finding 3].


==Treatment==
==Treatment==
===Medical Therapy===
===Medical Therapy===
*Fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in babies under six months of age. Artificially sweetened drinks like fruit juices should be avoided as these can make it worse.
*Slow initiation of rehydration drinks which have a perfect mix of water and electrolytes. Feed normally, medications are usually not required. <ref name="urlChild Diarrhoea | Causes, Symptoms and Treatment | Patient">{{cite web |url=https://patient.info/childrens-health/acute-diarrhoea-in-children |title=Child Diarrhoea &#124; Causes, Symptoms and Treatment &#124; Patient |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>


*There is no treatment for [disease name]; the mainstay of therapy is supportive care.
*The mainstay of therapy for [disease name] is [medical therapy 1] and [medical therapy 2].
*[Medical therapy 1] acts by [mechanism of action 1].
*Response to [medical therapy 1] can be monitored with [test/physical finding/imaging] every [frequency/duration].
===Surgery===
*Surgery is the mainstay of therapy for [disease name].
*[Surgical procedure] in conjunction with [chemotherapy/radiation] is the most common approach to the treatment of [disease name].
*[Surgical procedure] can only be performed for patients with [disease stage] [disease name].
===Prevention===
===Prevention===
 
*Mainstay is the maintenance of sanitary conditions. Caregivers should wash their own hands and encourage children to do so after changing diapers, before and after handling food, after having contact with pets, after spending time in the garden/ soil. <ref name="urlChild Diarrhoea | Causes, Symptoms and Treatment | Patient">{{cite web |url=https://patient.info/childrens-health/acute-diarrhoea-in-children |title=Child Diarrhoea &#124; Causes, Symptoms and Treatment &#124; Patient |format= |work= |accessdate=}}</ref>
*There are no primary preventive measures available for [disease name].
*Effective measures for the primary prevention of [disease name] include [measure1], [measure2], and [measure3].
 
*Once diagnosed and successfully treated, patients with [disease name] are followed-up every [duration]. Follow-up testing includes [test 1], [test 2], and [test 3].


==References==
==References==
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[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Pediatrics]]
[[Category:Primary care]]

Latest revision as of 20:59, 24 February 2021

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Debduti Mukhopadhyay, M.B.B.S[2]

Synonyms and keywords: Diarrhea in kids

Overview

Diarrhea defines as an increase in frequency or change in consistency of stool to become more liquid; which is different than normal for that person is called diarrhea. Causes include infections, diet intolerance, malnutrition, etc. Diarrhea is usually self-limited. Severe cases of dehydration may require treatment.

Historical Perspective

  • Hippocrates first coined the term diarrhea which was derived from the Greek word "diarrhoia", which translates into "flowing through".[1]
  • It was described as a symptom of a lot of conditions such as intestinal parasites, cholera, and in relation to improper water and food handling.

Classification

  • Chronic diarrhea in children may be classified according to the following subtypes/groups:[2]
  • Osmotic: due to unabsorbed nutrients
  • Secretory: due to imbalances in ion secretion
  • Mixed: stool osmotic gap (50-100 mOsm)

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Diarrhea in children from other Diseases

For further information about the differential diagnosis, click here.

Epidemiology and Demographics

  • In 2017, 8% of all deaths in children all over the world were due to diarrhea. [6] [7]
  • 2-3 million deaths per year occur every year due to acute diarrhea especially in developing countries.
  • 9% of all hospitalizations in the United States under the age of 5 are due to diarrhea.
  • In the age group of fewer than 3 years, the incidence of diarrhea is noted to be 1.3-2.3 episodes per child annually.

Age

  • In one study conducted in Hanoi, Vietnam on children <5 years of age with diarrhea; it was found that 40.9% were 1 year and below and 71.0% were 2 years and below.

[8]

Gender

  • Female gender has a lower risk of diarrheal disease. [9]

Risk Factors

  • Travel to countries with poor sanitary conditions, swimming, daycare, sick contacts at home and school, antibiotics usage. Autoimmune conditions such as celiac and inflammatory bowel disease. [4]

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

  • Moderate to severe diarrhea can cause dehydration in children. Severe dehydration can cause seizures, dizziness, lack of energy, dry skin, etc. [10]
  • Usually prognosis is good, and most cases resolve in a few days.

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Criteria

  • The diagnosis of diarrhea is made when either the frequency of bowel movements increases or the consistency of stools becomes looser than what is normal for that child. [4]

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms that indicate severe disease: [11]

Physical Examination

  • Patients with severe diarrhea usually appear toxic.
  • Physical examination may be remarkable for: [12] [13]

Laboratory Findings

  • Measurement of serum bicarbonate concentration of more than 15mEq per L is the laboratory finding used to evaluate 5% or less dehydration. Hypernatremic dehydration can be confirmed by serum sodium levels. [11] [4]
  • If there is evidence of blood or mucus in stool, or if the patient is immunocompromised, then stool microbiological tests can be done. They are, however, not required in suspected viral cases.
  • Stool culture results can sometimes become available only after 3-5 days, in some infectious causes, the organism is not visible even on stool testing.

Electrocardiogram

There are no ECG findings associated with diarrhea.

X-ray

  • Usually not indicated but may be done to rule out structural anomalies of the digestive tract. [14]

Echocardiography or Ultrasound

  • Severe dehydration in children caused by acute diarrhea can be measured by ultrasound evaluation of the ratio of aorta/inferior vena cava. [15]

CT scan

There are no CT scan findings associated with diarrhea in children.

MRI

There are no MRI findings associated with diarrhea in children.

Other Imaging Findings

There are no other imaging findings associated with diarrhea.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

  • Fluids to prevent dehydration, especially in babies under six months of age. Artificially sweetened drinks like fruit juices should be avoided as these can make it worse.
  • Slow initiation of rehydration drinks which have a perfect mix of water and electrolytes. Feed normally, medications are usually not required. [16]

Prevention

  • Mainstay is the maintenance of sanitary conditions. Caregivers should wash their own hands and encourage children to do so after changing diapers, before and after handling food, after having contact with pets, after spending time in the garden/ soil. [16]

References

  1. ↑ "Ancient Origin of the Word 'Diarrhea' and Other Common Medical Terms".
  2. ↑ Thiagarajah JR, Kamin DS, Acra S, Goldsmith JD, Roland JT, Lencer WI, Muise AM, Goldenring JR, Avitzur Y, Martín MG (June 2018). "Advances in Evaluation of Chronic Diarrhea in Infants". Gastroenterology. 154 (8): 2045–2059.e6. doi:10.1053/j.gastro.2018.03.067. PMC 6044208. PMID 29654747.
  3. ↑ "Diarrhea in Children - Pediatrics - MSD Manual Professional Edition".
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 "Diarrhea in Children - American College of Gastroenterology".
  5. ↑ D'Amico F, Baumgart DC, Danese S, Peyrin-Biroulet L (July 2020). "Diarrhea During COVID-19 Infection: Pathogenesis, Epidemiology, Prevention, and Management". Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 18 (8): 1663–1672. doi:10.1016/j.cgh.2020.04.001. PMC 7141637 Check |pmc= value (help). PMID 32278065 Check |pmid= value (help).
  6. ↑ "Diarrhoea - UNICEF DATA".
  7. ↑ Dennehy PH (September 2005). "Acute diarrheal disease in children: epidemiology, prevention, and treatment". Infect Dis Clin North Am. 19 (3): 585–602. doi:10.1016/j.idc.2005.05.003. PMID 16102650.
  8. ↑ Vu Nguyen T, Le Van P, Le Huy C, Nguyen Gia K, Weintraub A (July 2006). "Etiology and epidemiology of diarrhea in children in Hanoi, Vietnam". Int J Infect Dis. 10 (4): 298–308. doi:10.1016/j.ijid.2005.05.009. PMID 16458564.
  9. ↑ Pinzón-Rondón ÁM, Zárate-Ardila C, Hoyos-Martínez A, Ruiz-Sternberg ÁM, Vélez-van-Meerbeke A (August 2015). "Country characteristics and acute diarrhea in children from developing nations: a multilevel study". BMC Public Health. 15: 811. doi:10.1186/s12889-015-2120-8. PMC 4546125. PMID 26293136.
  10. ↑ "Diarrhea in Children: Why It Happens & How To Stop It".
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 "Gastroenteritis in Children - American Family Physician".
  12. ↑ "Diagnosis of Chronic Diarrhea in Children | NIDDK".
  13. ↑ "Diagnosing and treating diarrhea in children".
  14. ↑ 14.0 14.1 "Chronic Diarrhea in Children - What You Need to Know".
  15. ↑ Levine AC, Shah SP, Umulisa I, Munyaneza RB, Dushimiyimana JM, Stegmann K, Musavuli J, Ngabitsinze P, Stulac S, Epino HM, Noble VE (October 2010). "Ultrasound assessment of severe dehydration in children with diarrhea and vomiting". Acad Emerg Med. 17 (10): 1035–41. doi:10.1111/j.1553-2712.2010.00830.x. PMID 21040103.
  16. ↑ 16.0 16.1 "Child Diarrhoea | Causes, Symptoms and Treatment | Patient".
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