Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2009 Nov;12(Suppl 1):S53-S61.

Nutritional Support for Acute Diarrhea in Children:Focused on Age-appropriate Diet Therapy after Rehydration

• Chu MA
• Choe BH

Abstract

The mainstay in the management of mild to moderately dehydrated children is fast rehydration by using hypotonic ORS (oral rehydration solution) and complete resumption of normal diet, including lactose- containing formula after 4 hours rehydration. Since the majority of young children with uncomplicated acute diarrhea will tolerate large amounts of undiluted non-human milk, withholding food and milk from children during diarrhea is not recommended anymore, regarding time to resolution and diarrhea control. In addition, routine dilution of milk and routine use of lactose-free formula are not necessary after fast ORS therapy. Breastfed infants and children fed with solid foods may safely continue receiving their usual diets during diarrhea instead of gradual reintroduction of feeding. However, young infants or children with severe diarrhea or malnutrition should be carefully treated under supervision if fed with lactose containing, non-human milk exclusively.

Keyword

Diarrhea; Gastroenteritis; Lactose; Nutrition; Treatment; Infant

MeSH Terms

Child
Diarrhea
Diet
Electrolytes
Fluid Therapy
Gastroenteritis
Humans
Infant
Lactose
Malnutrition
Milk
Nutritional Support
Organization and Administration
Electrolytes
Lactose