What Is The Cause For Gray Stool And Why Is The Baby Experiencing Difficulty In Passing Stool?

Posted on Sun, 15 Dec 2013

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

Sun, 15 Dec 2013 Answered on

Sat, 4 Jan 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 2 month old baby had gone a gray color poop day before yesterday and after that we went to doctor, they suggested to give neopeptine and to dilute the formula feed. But after giving neopeptine and diluting the formula feed, he passes urine frequently every 15 minutes, he passes smelly gas but still no poop till today. He is trying to poop but only gas comes out. He cries a bit while passing gas. We gave water. massaged his belly button and done bicycling of legs but still no progress. Please suggest what to do.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (12 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Glycerine suppository will help Detailed Answer: Namasthe Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day An infant usually should receive exclusive breast feeding for first 6 months. As you have introduced formula feeds, its known to cause alteration in bowel habits. With every change in concentration of feeds there could be alteration in bowel movements. As he is passing gas but no stools and if there is no distension of abdomen there seems to be no cause of concern. Also do have a look at the anal orifice to rule out excoriation or small ulcer which may be present, if the appearance is normal then the baby should get adjusted to new feeds and regularize its bowel movements soon. Instillation of one Pediatric suppositiry of Glycerine introduced per rectally will help in passage of stools. Increased quantity of urine could be due to increased solute load on the baby because of top feeds being given. If the urine is clear , there is no cause of concern. Also i would like to impress upon a common problem complained by parents, that there is alteration in colour of stools. Its quite normal when top feeds are given or at time of weaning. In case you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Wishing you happy and healthy life Take Care Best Regards Dr Deepak K K MBBS,MS,MCH Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (19 hours later)

Today morning at 6 AM he went the same gray color poop but quantity was less because he was having much of fluid. I also have one more concern. His left eye seems to be little watery. Whenever he wakes up from sleep, there is some yellow sticky substance at the corner of the eye. People say it is because of heat. but after giving so much fluid also he is having the same issue. We tried massaging his eye corner everytime bu still it is the same. Please guide me.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (33 minutes later)

Brief Answer: There is no cause for concern Detailed Answer: Namasthe Greetings of the day Dear Mr XXXX, it's quite common to see children with sticky discharge, there is no cause of concern if there is redness of the eye(conjunctiva). The presence of tear film normally present over conjunctiva and cornea of the eye which gives the lustre to the eyes is dependenton on hydration. The discharge is unrelated to heat or hydration. massaging the eye is all that is required. If there is redness of the eye which denotes conjunctivitis, it requires instillation of antibiotic eyr drops like Ciprofloxacin. Even in extreme heat, eyes have the mechanism of maintaining good tear film r when the child is well hydrated. In case you require any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Wishing your baby a happy and healthy life. Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E