Managing traveler's diarrhea in patients under 18 years of age requires a specific approach — one that differs meaningfully from adult management. This protocol addresses the pediatric presentation following recent international travel.
The patient is under 18 years of age and presents with diarrhea following recent international travel. Age is the defining clinical factor in this scenario: the pediatric population has distinct treatment considerations compared to adults, particularly regarding which interventions are appropriate and which are not.
Oral rehydration therapy is the cornerstone of management in this age group. The protocol specifies the recommended rehydration approach for pediatric patients with acute diarrhea.
Importantly, a class of agents commonly used in adult traveler's diarrhea is contraindicated in patients under 18 years — the full protocol defines which agents and the basis for this restriction.
Complete agent selection, clinical decision points, and structured regimen available in the full protocol.
DOI: 10.1093/cid/cix669
Most TD is self-treatable with oral rehydration therapy, and, for nonbloody diarrhea in adults, an antimotility agent.
Reduced osmolarity oral rehydration solution (ORS) is recommended as the first-line therapy of mild to moderate dehydration in infants, children, and adults with acute diarrhea from any cause (strong, moderate), and in people with mild to moderate dehydration associated with vomiting or severe diarrhea.
Antimotility drugs (eg, loperamide) should not be given to children <18 years of age with acute diarrhea (strong, moderate).
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