Managing Diarrhea

Acute Diarrhea

Primary treatment of acute diarrhea is a medical issue and will depend on the degree of the illness and dehydration. After hydration issues are addressed, nutrition interventions focus on maintaining good nutritional status.

Address dehydration
For mild or moderate dehydration, rehydration solutions with 75-90 mEq/L sodium are recommended. Juice, broth, carbonated beverages, and sports drinks can lead to increased problems with diarrhea because of high osmolarities. Severe dehydration often requires intravenous rehydration.

As possible, continue with usual eating pattern
In addition to promoting healthy weight gain and overall improved nutritional status, continuing to feed during acute diarrhea can decrease the duration of the illness and prevent atrophy of the gastrointestinal mucosa. Breastfeeding should be continued, if this is the usual feeding method.

Chronic Diarrhea

Management of chronic diarrhea requires a medical approach as well. Nutrition interventions focus on promoting good nutritional status and providing adequate energy, fluid, protein, and micronutrients for growth. If gastrointestinal function is severely compromised, or if a child is unable to obtain an adequate amount of energy enterally, parenteral nutrition may be necessary.