What Causes Frequent Loose Stool In A Child?

Posted on Tue, 6 Oct 2015

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

Tue, 6 Oct 2015 Answered on

Tue, 27 Oct 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 3.5 year old girl having 6 to 7 times aemi solid motions last 12 hours..doctor suggest entrogermenia or prokids..pls advise

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (46 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Give plenty of fluids and observe the child

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for asking on this platform

I can understand your concern.
The most common cause of frequent loose stool(not mixed with blood or mucus) in this age is some viral infection.
The main aim of management is to give plenty of fluids(ORS) to prevent dehydration from the ongoing fluid loss.
Giving probiotics(maintains normal gut flora) like enterogermina and Zinc syrup helps in early recovery.
Continue giving feeds as usual.Avoid milk,fruit juice and carbonated drinks as this may precipitate the loose stool.
It may take 4-6 days for the stool to get back to its normal pattern.
Observe the child for her oral acceptance,general activity,presence of mucus/ blood in stool or urinary output and if you find any abnormality consult your pediatrician immediately.

I hope this helps.
Please let me know if you have any more doubts.
Wishing for your baby's speedy recovery.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T