Diarrhea Management in Children

1. See Also
   1. Diarrhea in Children
   2. Management of Moderate Diarrhea under age 2 years
   3. Management of Mild Diarrhea under age 2 years
   4. Pediatric Diarrhea Fluid Replacement
   5. Oral Rehydration Solution
2. Management: General
   1. Goal
      1. Prevent dehydration
      2. Stay ahead of Diarrhea
   2. Continue oral fluids
      1. See Pediatric Diarrhea Fluid Replacement
      2. Gastrointestinal rest is a dangerous myth
      3. Delaying drinking risks further dehydration
   3. Antibiotics
      1. Only indicated for specific Diarrhea causes
      2. Avoid Septra under age 2 months
      3. Avoid Tetracycycline under age 9 years
   4. Other non-specific medications to consider
      1. PeptoBismol 20 mg/kg 5 times per day for 5 days
         1. Indicated for moderate Diarrhea, age 4-28 months
      2. Lactobacillus bid for 5 days
         1. Indicated for moderate Diarrhea, age 4-45 months
3. Management: Diarrhea age under 2 years
   1. See Pediatric Diarrhea Fluid Replacement
   2. See Management of Mild Diarrhea under age 2 years
   3. See Management of Moderate Diarrhea under age 2 years
4. Management: Diarrhea age over 2 years (toilet trained)
   1. Same management as for adult
   2. Increase clear fluid intake
      1. See Pediatric Diarrhea Fluid Replacement
   3. Resume normal diet 1 day after resolution of Diarrhea
   4. Avoid food items that may worsen Diarrhea
      1. Avoid raw fruits and vegetables
      2. Avoid bran and beans
      3. Avoid spices
      4. Avoid juices with high sugar content
      5. Reduce or eliminate milk and ice cream
5. Prevention
   1. Pediatric Diarrhea is very contagious
   2. Wash hands after each diaper change
6. Complications: Other
   1. See Diaper rash