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Child Is Not Having Normal Stools. Due To Gastrointestinal Infection Or Intolerance To The Formula?

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Posted on Tue, 2 Apr 2013
Question: My seven month old son was breastfed until six month and now has been having mostly formula. He had two meals a day too. His bowel movement was normal for the initial 2-3 weeks but past one week he has become more gassy and his poop smells like sour milk. Also the texture is not like normal poop that he had when he started solids but looks more like curdled milk. It also seems as if he is always hungry and still wakes up every two hours at night to feed. I am both worried and exhausted. Please help. Thanks.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hema Yadav (1 hour later)
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Considering the details you have provided it does seem that your child is not having normal stools either due to a gastrointestinal infection or intolerance to the formula.
Its less likely to be intolerance since you mentioned that his bowel pattern was normal for 2-3 weeks after shifting to formula.
The next best step would be to get his stool routine and culture test done to confirm the diagnosis .Some infections might not cause diarrhoea for first several days and gradually change the stools if left untreated.
Even if its intolerance the test may indicate its severity and wether it needs any further treatment .
Depending on the report the child might need a course of antibiotic and probiotic supplements to aid his digestion.
Once the cause is treated his gassiness and other symptoms should resolve within a week or two of starting treatment .
So please do not worry, but do not wait further and do consult his pediatrician with the reports.
Hope that answers your query.
Wishing your child a speedy recovery.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Hema Yadav

Pediatrician, Infectious Diseases

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 1528 Questions

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Child Is Not Having Normal Stools. Due To Gastrointestinal Infection Or Intolerance To The Formula?

Hello,
Thanks for posting your query.
Considering the details you have provided it does seem that your child is not having normal stools either due to a gastrointestinal infection or intolerance to the formula.
Its less likely to be intolerance since you mentioned that his bowel pattern was normal for 2-3 weeks after shifting to formula.
The next best step would be to get his stool routine and culture test done to confirm the diagnosis .Some infections might not cause diarrhoea for first several days and gradually change the stools if left untreated.
Even if its intolerance the test may indicate its severity and wether it needs any further treatment .
Depending on the report the child might need a course of antibiotic and probiotic supplements to aid his digestion.
Once the cause is treated his gassiness and other symptoms should resolve within a week or two of starting treatment .
So please do not worry, but do not wait further and do consult his pediatrician with the reports.
Hope that answers your query.
Wishing your child a speedy recovery.
Regards