Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Severe Diarrhea In A Child?
Question: Hi, I was curious and so browsing for info: My daughter says my grandson, age 18 mos, keeps getting diarrhea and once a couple days ago had mucous and a little blood; I was hoping he was not eating dog poop (small pet sometimes has accidents in house). Has seen doc who gave an antibiotic but no real diagnosis. I'm a little worried it may be from iron in formula. ? also.
Brief Answer:
Looks like bacillary dysentery - don't worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thank you for consulting in Health Care magic.
It seems your kid is having bacillary dysentery. Once it starts it will take 5-7 days to completely get better. Unless the kid's having low urine output or very dull or excessively sleepy or green bilious vomiting...you need not worry.
Antibiotic is definitely indicated as there is blood in the motion.
I suggest you use zinc supplements (Z&D drops 1ml once daily for 14 days) & ORS (Each small packet mixed in 200ml of potable water and keep giving sip by sip) as hydration is very important and crucial part of treatment. If there is vomiting you can use Syrup Ondansetron (as prescribed by your paediatrician).
Regarding diet - Avoid fruit juices as they might aggravate diarrhea. You can give zinc supplements & ORS apart from normal vegetarian porridges & soups.
Iron supplements cause black coloured stool, not bloody stool. So this is not due to the iron supplements.
Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,
Looks like bacillary dysentery - don't worry
Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thank you for consulting in Health Care magic.
It seems your kid is having bacillary dysentery. Once it starts it will take 5-7 days to completely get better. Unless the kid's having low urine output or very dull or excessively sleepy or green bilious vomiting...you need not worry.
Antibiotic is definitely indicated as there is blood in the motion.
I suggest you use zinc supplements (Z&D drops 1ml once daily for 14 days) & ORS (Each small packet mixed in 200ml of potable water and keep giving sip by sip) as hydration is very important and crucial part of treatment. If there is vomiting you can use Syrup Ondansetron (as prescribed by your paediatrician).
Regarding diet - Avoid fruit juices as they might aggravate diarrhea. You can give zinc supplements & ORS apart from normal vegetarian porridges & soups.
Iron supplements cause black coloured stool, not bloody stool. So this is not due to the iron supplements.
Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,
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. Kampana
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
