07/06/2026
Diarrhea = passage of ≥3 loose/watery stools per day, or more frequent than normal for that child (WHO definition)
Types:
Acute (4 weeks)
Dysentery = bloody diarrhea
Causes of Diarrhea in Children
--Infective (most common):
1. Viral — Rotavirus (most common in 2 sec)
Unable to drink, lethargic/unconscious
No tears
Treatment — WHO Plan C:
IV fluids immediately:
Ringer's lactate (preferred) or Normal Saline
12 months: 30 mL/kg over 30 minutes, then 70 mL/kg over 2.5 hours
Reassess every 15–30 minutes
ORS — start as soon as child can drink (5 mL/kg/hr)
Zinc supplementation — 20 mg/day for 10–14 days (10 mg if
