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Is Frequent Diarrhea In A Infant Cause Of Worry?

Posted on Tue, 2 Sep 2014

Question: My grandson is 28 months old & has never had a solid bowel movement. He goes 3 - 4 times a day & his poor bottom gets so sore. My family Dr has told my daughter that this is quite normal & I don't believe it is. What is your opinion?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (15 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
If weight gain is adequate there is no worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms XXXXXXX

Every Child has unique frequency of bowel habits.
Some children pass stool once a day and some may pass thrice a day.

If the following criteria are fulfilled there is no cause for concern

1. There is no distension of abdomen
2. Weight gain is adequate
3. Absence of reducing substance in stools

Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you.

Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak XXXXXXX
MBBS, MS, MCh
Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (22 hours later)

My question is why he would not have a solid stool? He has never had a sold stool. It is very loose & almost diarrhoea. He also appears to have no warning of when it will happen which is making it almost impossible to potty train him not to mention the terribly sore bottom he gets if it's not caught immediately. He is gaining weight fine & his stomach is not distended. I don't understand the 3rd point you mentioned.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Biochemical examination of stools

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Dear Ms XXXXXXX

Let me elaborate the 3rd point

When Biochemical examination of stools is done , absence of reducing substance in Urine is normal.

Many children have liquid stools due to

1. Rapid transit of food through intestine, allowing less time for absorption of water
2. Type of food consumed

I would suggest the following which will help solidify the stools

1. 20 gms of Nutmeg crushed and mixed with 50 ml of water: Decoction of this is given, 10 drops thrice a day
2. Local application Of Dr XXXXXXX Zinc oxide paste to the peri anal region: This will take care of redness

Do not be rigid for potty training, they are usually potty trainable by 36 to 40 months of age. Once the stools nor maize in consistency, training will be much easier. Develop the habit of making baby sit on potty plate for 10-15 minutes twice a day.

Do write to me directly for any further assistance anytime.

Regards
Deepak

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (27 minutes later)

Thank you. You have been most helpful & I feel much better. One question about Nutmeg. Fresh or is the powder for baking ok?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (51 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It is fresh Nutmeg

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Dear Ms XXXXXXX

I am happy that I was of use to you.

It is fresh Nutmeg.
Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life.

Take care

Best regards
Dr Deepak

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar