Acute diarrheal disease in children: Epidemiology, prevention, and treatment

Diarrhea is one of the most common causes of morbidity and mortality in children worldwide. The causes of acute diarrhea in children vary with the location, time of year, and population studied. There is increasing recognition of a widening array of enteric pathogens associated with diarrheal disease. Adequate fluid and electrolyte replacement and maintenance are key to managing diarrheal illnesses. Thorough clinical and epidemiologic evaluation is needed to define the severity and type of illness, exposures, and whether the patient is immunocompromised to direct the performance of selective diagnostic cultures, toxin testing, parasite studies, and the administration of antimicrobial therapy.