What Causes Frequent Watery Stools In A Child?

Posted on Tue, 27 Mar 2018

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

Tue, 27 Mar 2018 Answered on

Wed, 7 Jun 2023 Last reviewed on

Question : My baby is 8 months old. He is passing watery stool 5-6 times a day. After stools he get very weak. All necessary antibiotics doses has been given. But after the course is over again it starts. Currently diof syrup is given. This is from last 1 month going on. Plz help to stop all tbis permanently.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (11 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Viral diarrhea - antibiotics usually prolong the diarrhea.

Detailed Answer:

Hi,

It seems your kid is having viral diarrhea. Once it starts it will take 5-7 days to completely get better. Unless the kid's having low urine output or very dull or excessively sleepy or blood in motion or green bilious vomiting...you need not worry.
There is no need to use antibiotics unless there is blood in the motion. Antibiotics might worsen if unnecessarily used causing antibiotic-associated diarrhea.

I suggest you use zinc supplements (Z&D drops) & ORS as hydration is very important and crucial part of treatment. If there is vomiting you can use Syrup Ondansetron (as prescribed by your pediatrician).

Regarding diet - You can use cerelac...any flavor will do. Avoid fruit juices as they might aggravate diarrhea. You can give zinc supplements & ORS apart from normal vegetarian porridges & soups.

Hope my answer was helpful for you.

Regards,
Dr. Sumanth Amperayani, Pediatrician, Pulmonology

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana