ABSTRACT

Diarrheal illnesses are among the most important contributors to the morbidity and mortality of children of all ages worldwide. Diarrhea presents in the first days of life with progressive decompensation and heralds a severe neonatal onset congenital diarrhea. It is of utmost importance to have an organized approach to assess pediatric patients, to determine the likely etiology, and to manage the illness efficiently and effectively. The clinical course of sudden onset of diarrheal symptoms will depend on the etiology and the host. The etiology of a diarrheal illness varies greatly and it is useful to divide these etiologies into broader categories based on similar mechanisms of disease. In secretory diarrhea, the epithelial cells are actively releasing ions causing a net loss of key electrolytes in the body. Epidemiologic studies have reported that certain heavy metals have the propensity to cause diarrhea. The first priority in the treatment of any child with diarrhea is hydration to re-establish a normal electrolyte balance.