Definition of diarrhea:

It is characterized by an increased frequency and volume and decreased consistency of the stool from the normal state.

Classification (Types) of diarrhea:

Diarrhea can be classified as-

1. Acute watery diarrhea – acute onset, duration is less than 14 days, no passage of blood
2. Persistent diarrhea – it occurs when the duration of symptoms exceeds 7 days
3. Chronic diarrhea – it occurs when it lasts for more than 14 days.

Causes of watery diarrhea:

Causes of watery diarrhea are-

1. Rota virus
2. Vibrio cholerae
3. Entero-toxigenic E. coli
4. Salmonella
5. Cryptosporidium
6. Entero-pathogenic E. coli.

Differential diagnosis in children presenting with diarrhea:

•  Primary GIT disease e.g. cystic fibrosis, inflammatory bowel disease, celiac disease etc
• Surgical problems like intussusceptions, malrotation etc
• Spurious diarrhea – faecal impaction with overflow
• Infections outside GIT, e.g. meningitis, urinary tract infection etc
• Immunodeficiency e.g. AIDS
• Toddler’s diarrhea
• Side-effects of medications e.g. antibiotics.