Differentials
Non-specific toddler's diarrhoea
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Age of patient is limited to early childhood, first 2 years of life
INVESTIGATIONS
None. Stool studies or other laboratory studies are normal.
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with alternating constipation and diarrhoea
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
History of alternating constipation and diarrhoea associated with pain and abdominal discomfort.
Abdominal bloating or distension that increases during the day and is not associated with nausea and vomiting.
No significant findings following abdominal examination.
INVESTIGATIONS
FBC normal; presence of anaemia suggests non-IBS disease.
Stool studies normal; presence of WBCs or parasites in stool suggests non-IBS disease.
Plain abdominal x-ray, flexible sigmoidoscopy, and colonoscopy all normal.
Infectious diarrhoea
SIGNS / SYMPTOMS
Usually accompanied by fever, vomiting, and bloody stools.
INVESTIGATIONS
Stool studies may be positive for RBCs and WBCs.
Faecal culture may grow bacteria.
Ova and parasites may be seen on microscopic examination of stool.
Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer