A school-age child has recurrent diarrhea with foul-smelling stools, excessive flatus, abdominal distension, and failure-to-thrive. A 2-week lactose-free trial failed to reduce symptoms. What is the next step in diagnosing this condition?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Serologic testing for celiac disease is the next step in diagnosing this condition, given the symptoms of recurrent diarrhea, foul-smelling stools, excessive flatus, abdominal distension, and failure-to-thrive, especially after a lactose-free trial failed to reduce symptoms. These are classic signs of celiac disease.

A School-Age Child Has Recurrent Diarrhea with Foul-Smelling Stools, Excessive