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What Causes Stomach Upset And Loose Stool In Infants?

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Posted on Tue, 7 Apr 2015
Question: My 7 month baby suffering from stomach upset and loose stool from 2 days. Dr. prescribed him rinifol-z dry syrup and oflaxacin. Im worried because his appetite is redused. He does not eat half part of meal that he was eating previously.
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Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (7 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Reduction of appetite is common when children are not in good health.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

Firstly, I would like you to be more precise about what you mean by stomach upset and loose stool. Let me assure you that in case of a breast fed baby of this age, passing stool 10 times is equally normal as passing stool once in 10 days and in neither case there is a cause to worry. The child may pass stool after each feed that is normal too. Moreover, green stools are absolutely normal and not a cause to worry about.

It is very common for children not to feed well when they are not well. Since, the child has already been taken to a doctor and is receiving antibiotics, I do not think that things are likely to worsen. Be patient and remain under the follow up of your doctor and things should be fine. The medicines are proper.

For a baby of this age breastmilk is the best possible feed. If the child is passing loose stools, all you have to give is increased amount of breast feeding breast and the thing would be automatically taken care of. In case you are formula feeding, ORS or oral rehydration solution might need to be given. The adequacy of hydration would reflect in the number of times urine is passed. If the frequency of urine is more than 6 times over a period of 24 hours, things are fine.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (3 hours later)
Hello sir,
Thank you for your ans. He does watery stool after feed. (4 times/ day). Im not breast feeding him. He is on formula feed and cows milk. Im worried because he eats very small portion of each meal. He was having fever also on sunday n monday. Urine frequency is good. Need to introduce ORS? He plays all the time n while eating he gets irritates n cries. I hope he is not suffering from any other digestion problems.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Stool after feeds is normal.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back.
* As mentioned earlier, the passage of stool after feed is normal. It is due to gastrocolic reflex.
* No problems with taking of small portions at each feed.
* If urine frequency is good, no need to introduce ORS. If it comes down, ORS would be essential.
* Crying and fussing during eating is a regular problem with many children. It is not a cause for concern.
* I do not think that you need to worry about any other digestive problems.

Hope that helps.

Regards
Dr. Diptanshu Das
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
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Answered by
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Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3875 Questions

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What Causes Stomach Upset And Loose Stool In Infants?

Brief Answer: Reduction of appetite is common when children are not in good health. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. Firstly, I would like you to be more precise about what you mean by stomach upset and loose stool. Let me assure you that in case of a breast fed baby of this age, passing stool 10 times is equally normal as passing stool once in 10 days and in neither case there is a cause to worry. The child may pass stool after each feed that is normal too. Moreover, green stools are absolutely normal and not a cause to worry about. It is very common for children not to feed well when they are not well. Since, the child has already been taken to a doctor and is receiving antibiotics, I do not think that things are likely to worsen. Be patient and remain under the follow up of your doctor and things should be fine. The medicines are proper. For a baby of this age breastmilk is the best possible feed. If the child is passing loose stools, all you have to give is increased amount of breast feeding breast and the thing would be automatically taken care of. In case you are formula feeding, ORS or oral rehydration solution might need to be given. The adequacy of hydration would reflect in the number of times urine is passed. If the frequency of urine is more than 6 times over a period of 24 hours, things are fine. Hope that helps. Regards Dr. Diptanshu Das