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Suggest Treatment For Loose Stool And Mucus In A Breastfed Child
Question: Sir my 5 month old son was breast feed and formula was given once. All of a sudden he had loose stools with mucus almost 10 times a day and greenish. We tested his stool and found reducing substances positive. Now is on zerolac. Doc asked to add sugar if he doesn't drink. I was asked to stop breastfeeding. Wen i put zerolac without sugar his motion was gud. But after sugar being added still he is running frequent stools a bit watery but yellowish. Can i breastfeed in this situation.pls.
Brief Answer:
You may continue breastfeeding
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for choosing this platform
Change in frequency and consistency of stool is common in small infants due to introduction of any new feed.
The change in consistency might be due to introduction of formula feed.
Reducing substance can be found in stool even in a healthy baby.The significance of presence of reducing sugar in stool depends on the amount.Presence of 4+ reducing substance in stool is significant.
It's true that mother's milk contains lactose which can lead to positive reducing sugar in stool(but it should be less than 4+).
I won't suggest to stop breastfeeding feed in such condition as the breast milk is the best feed.
Zero lac is a formula feed given in lactose intolerance. But adding sugar is not a good idea.Sugar contains sucrose which breaks into fructose and glucose both these are reducing substance and may cause persistence of reducing sugar in stool.
Also sugar because of its osmolality,is used as a laxative in small infants and should be avoided in loose stool as it may worsen the condition.
In summary I would suggest you to continue the breast feed(stop zero lac) and I won't get worried for loose stool unless it persists for more than 7 days or is associated with decreased feed,lethargy or decreased urine output.
I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to help you if you have any more doubts.
Regards
You may continue breastfeeding
Detailed Answer:
Hello
Thanks for choosing this platform
Change in frequency and consistency of stool is common in small infants due to introduction of any new feed.
The change in consistency might be due to introduction of formula feed.
Reducing substance can be found in stool even in a healthy baby.The significance of presence of reducing sugar in stool depends on the amount.Presence of 4+ reducing substance in stool is significant.
It's true that mother's milk contains lactose which can lead to positive reducing sugar in stool(but it should be less than 4+).
I won't suggest to stop breastfeeding feed in such condition as the breast milk is the best feed.
Zero lac is a formula feed given in lactose intolerance. But adding sugar is not a good idea.Sugar contains sucrose which breaks into fructose and glucose both these are reducing substance and may cause persistence of reducing sugar in stool.
Also sugar because of its osmolality,is used as a laxative in small infants and should be avoided in loose stool as it may worsen the condition.
In summary I would suggest you to continue the breast feed(stop zero lac) and I won't get worried for loose stool unless it persists for more than 7 days or is associated with decreased feed,lethargy or decreased urine output.
I hope this helps.
I shall be glad to help you if you have any more doubts.
Regards
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Priyanka G Raj
Answered by
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