my 15 month old son suffers from bad wind
=== I will take it as the one that smells bad, if so, its commonly seen in some common infection like say giardiasis at this age. Its difficult to believe for some doctors too, but a treatment for it with say drugs like metronidazole when prescribed by a doctor for a course, will cure it.


He wakens screaming in pain
=== painful winds are often called colics, but they usually wont occur at this age as normal. If its a frequent issue, one may need to get a sonography of abdomen done to look for any other causes of colic.

and won t settle till he releases hims wind from either end
== Is it associated with tight tummy? if yes, then colic drugs like cyclopam and antiflatulence drugs like simethicone will help. discuss with your doctor for a prescription.


this can take 2 hours and can happen several times a night.
== what kind of diet to do you give him? at times some diets that take longer time for cooking may cause indigestion, which may be felt by parents as gas or wind.also confirm or rule out associated constipation.


there is a possibility he swallowed a small plastic object at some point but we re not sure.
== small plastic objects when swallowed usually will pass off and wont create any problems. but you are really worried, a barium meal study can delineate it.


we ve tied dairy and gluten free diets gaviscon and dicycloverine prescribed by doctor
=== well these things are unlikely, to respond to above change.

Hope I have answered your query. If you have any follow up queries I will be available to answer them.

---

Hi,

Thanks again for following up.

1. what might be causing the wind ?
Answer: Indigestion / Infection / colic / swallowing of air along with feeds can cause this problem. A physical examination and tests as suggested in my previous answers would be useful.

2. Would metronidazole decrease wind production or just eliminate smells?
Answer: It will treat all the issues associated with Giardiasis and Amebiasis if given in correct dose and duration. It has no direct action for wind or smell. It should not be used without a clear prescription.

3. What other cause of colic might a sonography of abdomen show?
Answer: Colic often doesn't need investigations. The causes of colic that can be picked up on sonography are gut obstruction, ureteric stones etc. Most often you may need two or more tests to confirm the cause. You may get these tests done under the guidance of a pediatrician.

Hope I have answered all your queries adequately.

Wish you and your son a healthy recovery.

Regards

---

Hi and thanks again,

Any infection may cause colic; common infestation may be like worms. But even germs like e coli infections or dysentery too can cause colics.

Non infective conditions that may cause colic are indigestion or obstruction.

Hope this answers your query.

Regards

---