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Suggest Treatment For Diarrhea And Distended Stomach In Infants

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Posted on Mon, 23 Feb 2015
Twitter Mon, 23 Feb 2015 Answered on
Twitter Wed, 18 Mar 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : My five year old has been experiencing watery diarrhea for the past 4-5 hours and I notice that host abdomen is distended - is that a normal co-symptom? Have been giving him pedialyte and he's been snacking on pretzels and white rice. Should I be concerned about the distended stomach?
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Answered by Dr. Arun (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Ensure continuous pedialyte

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Thanks for writing to us.
Usually diarrhoea at this age is viral in nature.
It could take up to five days to settle.
Don't worry.
The distension could be due to electrolyte loss in stools esp potassium.
Continue pedialyte as sips every few minutes to keep him hydrated.
If distension continues to increase with low urine output consult with your pediatrician immediately.
Wishing your child good health.
Regards
Dr Arun
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Follow up: Dr. Arun (7 minutes later)
Thank you
Should I wake him up to drink the pedialyte every few hours? Or is it best to let him sleep?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Arun (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
better to wake up

Detailed Answer:
It is better to wake him up every few hours.
Ensure he drinks pedialyte.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Arun

Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1966 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Diarrhea And Distended Stomach In Infants

Brief Answer: Ensure continuous pedialyte Detailed Answer: Hi Thanks for writing to us. Usually diarrhoea at this age is viral in nature. It could take up to five days to settle. Don't worry. The distension could be due to electrolyte loss in stools esp potassium. Continue pedialyte as sips every few minutes to keep him hydrated. If distension continues to increase with low urine output consult with your pediatrician immediately. Wishing your child good health. Regards Dr Arun