What Do Recurrent Loose Stools In A Child Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 6 Feb 2017

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

Mon, 6 Feb 2017 Answered on

Thu, 2 Mar 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,
my son is 18 months old now, weighs little above 11kg. In his stool, blood scars are seen. He is having loose motions from last 5 days, everyday he is passing stool for 4-5 times. Quantity of the stool he is passing is about one handful. Do not know the reason why loose motions started. From last one week he is staying in my home town, there is environment change, there might be a temperature difference of 4-5 degrees.
We consulted doctor at that place, he suggested the below medication and stool test. We are yet get reports for stool test. I'll attach an image.

Hi,

Forgot to mention, he is doing well and is active. There are no signs of fatigue. He did not become weak.

Thanks,

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like acute dysentery - nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi.... By what you say this looks like acute dysentery and I appreciate you telling that he is well and active and without any signs of fatigue. By telling this you made it clear to me that there is no dehydration in him.

I have seen the stool image. This looks like bacillary dysentery without dehydration.

This requires antibiotic therapy. If I were your pediatrician, these would be my suggestions to you -

1. Z and D drops 1ml once daily for 14 days.
2. Syr Cefixime 8mg/kg/day in 2 divided doses for 5 days.

But both these are prescription drugs and you will require one for it.

Climate change is not the reason for it. Usually it is due to food contamination.

Regards - Dr. Sumanth

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar