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Uncomplicated or trivial diarrhea (Pediatrics - PEDS)

Very low urgency
Common-

Expulsion of abnormally liquid stools with frequency and/or quantity greater than normal, which is not serious for the child's health. 

It may be infectious, from spoiled food or nerves. 

It is usually not associated with other symptoms (such as severe pain, blood or mucus in stool, fever, apathy, etc.). 

Diagnosis is clinical by interrogation and physical examination. 

Treatment is based on a mild astringent diet and ensuring proper hydration. 

Bibliographic references
  1. Jason B Harris, MD, MPH. Mark Pietroni, MA, MBB. Chir, FRCP, DTM&H. Approach to the child with acute diarrhea in resource-limited countries. UpToDate. Oct 27, 2016.
  2. Mark A Gilger, MD. Pathogenesis of acute diarrhea in children. UpToDate. mar 11, 2016.
  3. David O Matson, MD, PhD. Acute viral gastroenteritis in children in resource-rich countries: Management and prevention. UpToDate. Apr 25, 2016.
  4. Thielman NM, Guerrant RL. Clinical practice. Acute infectious diarrhea. N Engl J Med 2004; 350:38.
  5. Michael Camilleri, Joseph A. Murray. Diarrea y estreñimiento. Harrison. Principios de Medicina Interna. Volumen 1. 19ª Edición. 264:268.
  6. S. Navarro Colás. Diarrea y malabsorción. Farreras Rozman. Medicina Interna. Volumen II. Duodécima edición. 149:157.
  7. Antonio Guardiola Arévalo, Maria José Pérez-Grueso Macías, Alejandro Repiso Ortega. Diarrea aguda. Manual de protocolos y actuación en urgencias. Hospital Virgen de la Salud, Complejo Hospitalario de Toledo. Tercera edición. 2010.419:423.
Author
Dr. Sara Vitoria
Copyright
© TeckelMedical 2026

Symptoms

    Diarrhea

    Increased bowel movements

    Localized abdominal pain

    Abdominal flatulence

Symptoms to watch out for

More than 6 liquid stools in 24 hrs
Fever (temperature higher than 100.4 ºF)
Irritability or decreased responsiveness to stimuli
Antibiotic use in the last 3 months
Signs of dehydration: more tiredness than usual, dizziness, dry mouth and tongue.

Self-care

The first 3 days follow an astringent diet (eat pasta, rice, baked or boiled potato, chicken, boiled skinless turkey, white fish, egg, yogurt) and then continue with an unrestricted diet.
Maintain hydration of half a gallon per day. Avoid soft drinks and fruit juices with high sugar content.
Washing your hands is an effective way to prevent infections from spreading.
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