Toddler's Diarrhoea Flashcards
What is the definition of Toddler’s Diarrhoea?
Persistent loose stools in pre-school children
At what age is toddler’s diarrhoea more likely to occur?
1-4 y/o
What is the epidemiology of toddler’s diarrhoea?
Most common cause of persistent diarrhoea
What is a theory of the aetiology of toddler’s diarrhoea?
Related to the amount of water that is reabsorbed by large bowel
i.e. decreased water reabsorption –> loose stool @ increased frequency
What are the features of toddler’s diarrhoea?
>3 water loose stool per day (can be well formed) Presence of undigested vegetables Pale and smelly stool Well and thriving child Flatus
Abdo pain is uncommon
What features of the history of toddler’s diarrhoea would make you think of an alternative diagnosis?
Faltering growth
Post-bowel resection, cholestatic liver disease, or exocrine pancreatic dysfunction
What alternative diagnosis would you think of if there is faltering growth?
Coeliac disease
Cow’s milk protein allergy
What alternative diagnosis would you think of if the child is post-bowel resection, or has cholestatic liver disease, or exocrine pancreatic dysfunction?
Malabsorption
What is involved in the management of toddler’s diarrhoea
Active management isn’t needed often
Dietary advice can be given
What dietary advice is given in toddler’s diarrhoea?
Increased fat (35-40% fat in diet)
Decrease fruit juice
Not too much or little fibre
Why is fruit juice not good for a patient with toddler’s diarrhoea?
Contains lots of sugar –> acts to keep water in large bowel and decreases appetite –> decreases intake of fat and fibre at normal mealtimes
