Signs and Symptoms
Toddlers diarrhea is characterized by three or more watery stools per day that persist for 2–4 weeks or more. Newborns and infants may normally have soft and frequent stools; however, any noticeable changes in stool frequency or form (i.e. watery) can indicate toddlers diarrhea. Other symptoms may include chills, fever, abdominal pain or cramping, nausea, and/or vomiting. Undigested food and/or mucus may also be observed in stools. More serious symptoms may include bloody stools, weight loss, greasy stools, and/or severe abdominal pain.Aside from these signs and symptoms, infants and children present as healthy individuals with appropriate weight gain (considering sufficient calorie intake), active lifestyles, and normal appetites. Complications
Possible complications associated with toddlers diarrhea include malabsorption and dehydration.Malabsorption affects the small intestine and results in the impaired absorption of important nutrients from an infant or childs diet, leading to malnutrition. Malabsorption is indicated by symptoms of bloating, appetite changes, weight loss, and/or gas.Dehydration occurs when there is not enough fluid intake to compensate for increased loss of fluid and electrolytes that may result from chronic diarrhea. Dehydration is indicated by symptoms of thirst, absence of tears when crying, infrequent urination, dry mouth, and/or decreased energy. Cause
Diarrhea happens when the amount of fluids absorbed in the intestine does not match the amount secreted. The imbalance can be achieved in two ways: an excess of secretion or a lack of absorption. Thus, diarrhea can be categorized into secretory diarrhea, an excess of secretion, or osmotic diarrhea which is a lack of absorption.
Oral rehydration solution (ORS), recommended by both AAP and the World Health Organization (WHO), must be composed of 50-90mEq/L sodium and 2% glucose or other complex carbohydrates. ORS is easily found in the US because it is available without a prescription. The typical amount of ORS administered is 50mL/kg over a 4-hour time period for mild dehydration and 100mL/kg over a 4-hour time period for moderate dehydration with an extra 10mL/kg for every loose stool. Repeat this administration regimen for as long as the signs and symptoms of dehydration continue. It is important to take measures early on to maintain hydration. Along with ORT, WHO recommends a 10-14 day course of 20 mg zinc tablet supplementation, stating it will shorten the length of diarrhea and potentially improving harmful outcomes.The NIDDK recommends a visit to the doctor when a child experiences stools containing pus or blood (black, tarry, or coffee ground-like appearance), signs of dehydration, diarrhea longer than 24 hours, or a fever of 102 degrees or more. Epidemiology
Diarrheal illness in children accounts for 1.5 to 2.5 million deaths per year worldwide. It is responsible for the secondary cause of mortality among children less than 5 years of age surpassing the combined childhood deaths from malaria, measles, and AIDS. In 2009, the World Health Organization (WHO)/United Nations International Childrens Emergency Fund (UNICEF) reported 2.5 billion cases of diarrhea in children less than 5 years old. More than half of the cases occurred in Africa and South Asia.