What Does This Stool Test Suggest?

Posted on Mon, 15 Sep 2014

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

Mon, 15 Sep 2014 Answered on

Tue, 7 Oct 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi,
My baby is 7 months old, and has been having loose stools semi solid for last 2-3 weeks. We got a stool test done and results as follows:
color: yellowish
consistency: semi solid
mucus present
rbcs 3-4/hpf
puss cells 7-8/hpf
occult blood present
pH 6.5
reducing sugar present 1+

Please let me know what the results interpret? The doctor has prescribed flagyl syrup for 5 days.

Answered by Dr. Venkata Subrahmanaym Mukkavilli (41 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
The result indicate infective diarrhea with Lactase Deficiency.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for asking question on health care magic.
Your history and stool examination report suggest that your baby is suffering from infective diarrhea of bacterial origin.
It is also associated with Lactase deficiency because of persistent diarrhea as indicated by presence of reducing sugars.
This condition needs avoidance of milk and milk products(Lactose containing foods)
Instead you may give zerolac or soya milk.
Also you have to get the stool examination for culture and sensitivity so that you can start the antibiotic as suggested by sensitivity report.
Probotics like Sporolac help in controlling diarrhea.
Zinc preparation 10 mg/kg body weight will help for quick recovery.
Hope this answer will serve your purpose
Please feel free to ask any more queries if required
Take care
Dr.M.V.Subrahmanyam MD;DCH
Associate professor of pediatrics

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari

Follow up: Dr. Venkata Subrahmanaym Mukkavilli (9 hours later)

The doctor has prescribed oflux 50, 3.5 ml thrice a day after I reported on one/two spots of blood in the stools today. Is this an antibiotic? and will it help relieve the problem soon.
My baby also has cold and cough for last 5 6 days. have been giving him T minic for the same.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Venkata Subrahmanaym Mukkavilli (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Ofloxacin is an antibiotic used in diarrhea .

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks and welcome to HCM .
Oflox is an antibiotic used in infective diarrhea.
You can continue Timinic for cold.
Usually it takes 72-96 hours for controlling diarrhea .
Hope this reply is helpful for you.
Further queries invited.
Dr.M.V.Subrahmanyam.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju