What would be a treatment option for diarrhea that is voluminous and watery without fecal leukocytes?

In cases of diarrhea that is voluminous and watery without fecal leukocytes, the primary concern is often dehydration and fluid loss rather than an infection or inflammatory process, which would typically present with fecal leukocytes. The presence of watery diarrhea suggests a non-bacterial etiology, possibly a viral infection or a toxin that is not actively inviting an inflammatory response.

Antimotility agents, such as loperamide, are indicated in this situation because they work by slowing intestinal transit time, allowing for more water absorption from the contents of the bowel. This can help reduce the volume and frequency of diarrhea, leading to improved patient comfort and better hydration status.

While fluid therapy is crucial for managing dehydration, the question specifically asks for a treatment option concerning the diarrhea itself. Antimotility agents directly address the diarrhea, whereas fluid therapy primarily supports hydration rather than treating the underlying bowel hypermotility. Surgical intervention would not be appropriate in this context unless there were complications or a different diagnosis entirely, and antibiotics are generally reserved for cases where bacterial infection is suspected, which is less likely given the absence of fecal leukocytes.