Gaps between Infant Diarrheal Disease and Frequent Loose Stool

Chronic diarrhea in children has a long differential diagnosis, but the clinician can usually distinguish disease from functional diarrhea. A careful history will provide information on medical and dietary problem, growth disturbance, associated symptoms and signs. The extent of laboratory evaluation should be guided by common sense. In the absence of the worrisome historical items noted, or abnormal findings on examination or growth history, reassurance may be all that is required. This article reviewed the diagnostic approach and differential diagnosis of chronic diarrhea, and summarized common non pathologic conditions of chronic diarrhea such as chronic nonspecific diarrhea (toddler’s diarrhea) and secondary lactase deficiency. [Korean J Pediatr Gastroenterol Nutr 2010; 13(Suppl 1): 44∼50]