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Toddler Having Loose Motion. Cause And Cure?
Question: MY SON IS 11 MONTHS OLD AND HE IS HAVING LOOSE STOOLS SINCE 5 DAYS.
I WANT TO KNOW THE CAUSES.
I WANT TO KNOW THE CAUSES.
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
I am sorry that your son is unwell.
Increased frequency of passing stool (diarrhoea) in a child can be due to (1)infection with either a bacteria or virus .Bacterial infections are usually worse and may be associated with blood in the stool, in most children the infection is caused by a virus (2) intolerance to a particular food, in this case you would notice that soon after using a particular food, the diarrhoea develops
The most common cause is infection. Increased stool frequency is concerning in children because of the risk of dehydration if they are not given enough fluids to replace what they are losing in the stool.
He should be monitored for any evidence of dehydration which would be (1) decreased urination or wet pampers (2) dry skin (3) increased in heart rate (4) crying with no tears seen (5) excess drowsiness.
Diarrhoea may or may not be associated with vomiting and fever.
While he is having diarrhoea, milk should be stopped temporarily because this can make it worse. He should be given oral rehydration fluids which would give him back what he is losing.The doctor would calculate the exact amount he needs based on his weight and the presence of any dehydration.
Because of his age and the potential risk for dehydration, it would be best, if possible, that he be taken to his doctor so that he can be fully assessed and at this visit the doctor can figure out how much fluid he needs.Normally recovery takes only a few days.
Very careful handwashing is necessary to prevent the diarrhoea from spreading to anyone else.
I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any other questions
I am sorry that your son is unwell.
Increased frequency of passing stool (diarrhoea) in a child can be due to (1)infection with either a bacteria or virus .Bacterial infections are usually worse and may be associated with blood in the stool, in most children the infection is caused by a virus (2) intolerance to a particular food, in this case you would notice that soon after using a particular food, the diarrhoea develops
The most common cause is infection. Increased stool frequency is concerning in children because of the risk of dehydration if they are not given enough fluids to replace what they are losing in the stool.
He should be monitored for any evidence of dehydration which would be (1) decreased urination or wet pampers (2) dry skin (3) increased in heart rate (4) crying with no tears seen (5) excess drowsiness.
Diarrhoea may or may not be associated with vomiting and fever.
While he is having diarrhoea, milk should be stopped temporarily because this can make it worse. He should be given oral rehydration fluids which would give him back what he is losing.The doctor would calculate the exact amount he needs based on his weight and the presence of any dehydration.
Because of his age and the potential risk for dehydration, it would be best, if possible, that he be taken to his doctor so that he can be fully assessed and at this visit the doctor can figure out how much fluid he needs.Normally recovery takes only a few days.
Very careful handwashing is necessary to prevent the diarrhoea from spreading to anyone else.
I hope this helps. Please feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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