How Can Severe Loose Stools In A Child Be Treated?

Posted on Thu, 4 May 2017

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 4 May 2017 Answered on

Wed, 24 May 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : My 9 month baby is suffering from loose motion past 7 days . he was passing watery stools 3-4 times a day and after consulting with doctor enterogermia 2 times , Z&D 1 ml was started and that helped for next 3 days he was doing fine and then again loose motion stated . this time doctor prescribed econorm XXXXXXX twice and Zifi 100 2.5 ml twice a day & Z&D . this time doctor asked to start Isomyl soya based formula as baby was on mixed feed i.e mother feed and nan pro2 . we are giving him coco nut water mixed with milk and rice and curd , he was fine for last 3 days and again loose motion started , 3-4 times . he is irritated most of the time and lost about 300 grams . he is 8.2 kg and 73 cm . i there an thing else can be done as i dont want baby to get lot of antibiotics .

Answered by Dr. Deepak Patel (34 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Loose stools takes time to settle

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome to HCM. Can understand your concerns.

Loose stools in child usually takes 5 to 7 days to settle. The main thing that we have to take care is dehydration. Give ORS solution to prevent dehydration in child.

Sometimes, the child develops allergy to lactose in milk and as a result milk needs to be changed to lactose free milk like isomyl or zerolac formula milk is started.

Enterogermina and zinc helps in increasing immunity of child.

In my opinion, treatment is fine and you should wait for 2 days. If loose stools still persists or vomiting occurs or child has decreased activity then child will need admission in hospital.

CRP, stool routine microscopy test and stool for reducing sugar should be done.

Banana, curd helps in controlling loose stools in natural way.

I hope this will help you.
Wishing your child good health.
Take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana