Hi

Thanks for the query.

As I believe the more information a person gives the better is the doctor reply and thus improve satisfaction levels. Hence please answer the following...

1. Is there any blood in the stools?

2. Any jaundice, abdominal distention?

3. Is the urine normal, any blood or decreased urination?

Usually at his age most children tend to have respiratory infections due to just maturing immune system. It is common to find them with Tonsillitis, Adenoiditis as well. It could be due to flu and other possible viral infections which can cause this. Less chance of it needing antibiotics unless there is superadded bacterial infection which can cause yellow secretions.

He can do steam inhalation to give relief. As prescribed by his Doctor, a cough suppressant syrup can also be given to reduce the frequency and intensity of coughing. Add anti-pyretic like Acetaminophen/Paracetamol to reduce fever as advised by his Doctor.

In most cases children have non-specific abdominal pain which may not be related to any major pathology. If there are symptoms like failure to gain weight and thrive, pale skin, weakness, loose stools then one can point to possible abdominal pathology.

Stools seeming to 'leak' could be because of thinner stool consistency which can be part of malabsorption syndrome like Coeliac disease, but there would also be failure to gain weight and weakness. On taking food with barley, oats, wheat, rye there will be loose stools and sometimes abdominal pain as well. This is because these food have gluten which causes irritation to the bowel and frequently follows with loose stools. Also they may have lactose intolerance which will cause abdominal distention and loose stools on consuming diary products and milk as well.

If the above symptoms are present, do avoid the above mentioned food. He can safely have rice, maize in diet as they do not contain gluten. He can have soy milk instead of regular milk if he has lactose intolerance.

You need to get him a complete examination including blood cell count, haemoglobin, stool test, urine test as well. If needed certain tests like D-xylulose test and endoscopic biopsy may be needed to confirm intestine problem.

Add plenty of fresh fruits and XXXXXXX leafy vegetables to his diet. Avoid fatty, spicy an oily food which can precipitate indigestion and loose stools. Make his diet as healthy as possible. you can give gluten free cereal, chicken, lean meat, eggs for good protein in diet and healthier immune response as well. Keep him well hydrated.

Avoid food at extremes of temperature. Do get further testing done as necessary to find out if there is intestine problem which can be treated by proper diet and possible medications as necessary.

I hope I have answered your query. I will be available to answer your follow up queries.

Regards.

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