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Suggest Treatment For Severe Diarrhea

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Posted on Wed, 12 Apr 2017
Question: My son he is 5 years old he has been having watery diarrhea for a week now 1x/day no nausea vomiting fair appetite no fever do I need to bring him see a doctor for possible antibiotic?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (51 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
You may observe him and wait for antibiotic

Detailed Answer:
Hello

thanks for choosing this platform

Most common cause of diarrhea in this age is some viral infection (particularly if stool is not mixed with blood or mucus).
The main aim of management here is giving plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
I won't get worried if child is active,accepting orally well,passing urine, there is no vomiting and if stool is not mixed with blood or mucus.
Loose stool may persist for longer duration (may be 7-10 days).
I would like to know if you are giving zinc and probiotics as these helps in early recovery.
Here I would suggest you to wait and observe for next two to three days. You may get a stool test done to see if it is suggestive of infection which may need antibiotic.
Continue giving plenty of fluids and meanwhile if you notice any other significant abnormality consult your pediatrician.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any questions.
Wishing for your child's good health.
Regards
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain

Pediatrician, Cardiology

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 2074 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Severe Diarrhea

Brief Answer: You may observe him and wait for antibiotic Detailed Answer: Hello thanks for choosing this platform Most common cause of diarrhea in this age is some viral infection (particularly if stool is not mixed with blood or mucus). The main aim of management here is giving plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. I won't get worried if child is active,accepting orally well,passing urine, there is no vomiting and if stool is not mixed with blood or mucus. Loose stool may persist for longer duration (may be 7-10 days). I would like to know if you are giving zinc and probiotics as these helps in early recovery. Here I would suggest you to wait and observe for next two to three days. You may get a stool test done to see if it is suggestive of infection which may need antibiotic. Continue giving plenty of fluids and meanwhile if you notice any other significant abnormality consult your pediatrician. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any questions. Wishing for your child's good health. Regards