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My 1yr Old Has Had 4 Watery Stools Today And
Question: My 1yr old has had 4 watery stools today and just vomited. He does not have any fever and is acting normal. Should he be seen?
Brief Answer:
if alert, active and not dehydrated- may not need to be seen
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
If he is as alert and active as normal, with no evidence of dehydration then he does not need to be treated.
The main worry in children is dehydration.
This can be avoided by giving back all of the fluid that he is losing with his loose stools and vomiting plus allowances must be made for the fluid that he would normally take.
The best fluids would be a liquid like pedialyte that contains not only fluids but also replaces his electrolytes.
He should be given small sips initially for the first hour of treatment ( 1 to 2 tsp every 5 mins), if this is tolerated, then the amount is increased.
Other foods should be discontinued until 4 hours pass with no symptoms (no loose stool or vomiting). If he is given solid food before this time, it may stimulate him to have another bowel movement so it is important to wait the 4 hours.
Probiotics may help put back in the good bacteria into his colon and shorten the symptoms
Important to watch for any signs or symptoms of dehydration:(1)increased pulse
(2)dry skin
(3)less wet diapers
(4)crying with no tears
(5)drowsy and lethargic
(6)eyes appear sunken
(7)breathing quickly
If any of these are present, or you remain unsure, then you should be seen
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
if alert, active and not dehydrated- may not need to be seen
Detailed Answer:
Hi, thanks for using healthcare magic
If he is as alert and active as normal, with no evidence of dehydration then he does not need to be treated.
The main worry in children is dehydration.
This can be avoided by giving back all of the fluid that he is losing with his loose stools and vomiting plus allowances must be made for the fluid that he would normally take.
The best fluids would be a liquid like pedialyte that contains not only fluids but also replaces his electrolytes.
He should be given small sips initially for the first hour of treatment ( 1 to 2 tsp every 5 mins), if this is tolerated, then the amount is increased.
Other foods should be discontinued until 4 hours pass with no symptoms (no loose stool or vomiting). If he is given solid food before this time, it may stimulate him to have another bowel movement so it is important to wait the 4 hours.
Probiotics may help put back in the good bacteria into his colon and shorten the symptoms
Important to watch for any signs or symptoms of dehydration:(1)increased pulse
(2)dry skin
(3)less wet diapers
(4)crying with no tears
(5)drowsy and lethargic
(6)eyes appear sunken
(7)breathing quickly
If any of these are present, or you remain unsure, then you should be seen
I hope this helps, 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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