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- acute gastroenteritis is a self-limited illness
- however, damage to the brush border of the small intestine mucosa where lactase is present may lead to a secondary lactase deficiency and subsequent inability to digest lactose properly
- partially or minimally digested lactose moves into the colon where it is fermented by enteric bacteria resulting in hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and acids
- these byproducts result in symptoms reported for those with lactase deficiency: cramps, abominal pain and distension, and flatulence
- the increased solute load in the large intestine leads to increased osmotic pressure, causing watery diarrhea
- early refeeding following gastroenteritis is recommended, but many clinicians recommend dairy restricted diets acutely
References
American Academy of Pediatrics PREP Curriculum