Chronic nonspecific diarrhea of children

ABSTRACT

Chronic nonspecific diarrhea (CNSD) or toddler's diarrhea is the most frequent cause of chronic diarrhea in young children of developed countries. The pathogenesis of CNSD remains unclear. It has been associated with drinking large amounts of fluids and fruit juices that contain large amounts of fructose and sorbitol. Reduction in the intake of fat and fiber can also be the cause of CNSD. Children with CNSD do not show signs of malnutrition or growth retardation. They experience watery stools four to more than ten times daily. Stools are foul smelling, occasionally with undigested food remnants because of the short transit time. The patients do not normally suffer from their ailment; however, diarrhea may cause parents to be extremely worried. Pediatricians and primary physicians have to diagnose CNSD with clinical symptoms and exclusion of specific illness. Proper dietary manipulation improves the condition of most patients.