Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr.  2010 Dec;13(Suppl 1):S44-S50. 10.5223/kjpgn.2010.13.Suppl1.S44.

Gaps between Infant Diarrheal Disease and Frequent Loose Stool

Affiliations
  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. izzih@medimail.co.kr

Abstract

Chronic diarrhea in children has a long differential diagnosis, but the clinician can usually distinguish disease from functional diarrhea. A careful history will provide information on medical and dietary problem, growth disturbance, associated symptoms and signs. The extent of laboratory evaluation should be guided by common sense. In the absence of the worrisome historical items noted, or abnormal findings on examination or growth history, reassurance may be all that is required. This article reviewed the diagnostic approach and differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea, and summarized common non pathologic conditions of chronic diarrhea such as chronic nonspecific diarrhea (toddler's diarrhea) and secondary lactase deficiency.

Keyword

Diarrhea; Chronic nonspecific diarrhea; Lactase deficiency; Lactose intolerance

MeSH Terms

Child
Diagnosis, Differential
Diarrhea
Humans
Infant
Lactase
Lactose Intolerance
Lactase

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