treatment of childhood diarrhoea
Last reviewed 01/2018
Medicinal intervention in diarrhoea is not often recommended, since antibiotic treatment in itself may lead to pseudomembranous colitis.
In cases of Giardia lamblia and of amoebic dysentry metronidazole is given.
In treatment of diarrhoea, the most important factor is to maintain hydration, thus oral rehydration therapy.
Perhaps an important prophylactic treatment of diarrhoea is to encourage breast feeding - maternal IgA, lactoferrin, neutrophils and macrophages all contribute to protection from diarrhoea.