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How Can Diarrhoea Be Treated In A 6-month-old Baby?
Question: Since 2 day My 6 months old boy suddenly has potty 4-6 times per day and stool is very loose. he is urinating normal and doing normal activities . pls suggest what to do? is it serious,any medication like rantac is required?
Brief Answer:
Proper hydration needs to be ensured
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Your child is suffering from diarrhea. It could be due to contaminated food or improper hand hygiene.
The mainstay of treatment is ORS (oral rehydration solution) if you are not breastfeeding the baby.
If you are breastfeeding the baby, just increase the amount of breastfeeding. Unless the lost salts and fluids are replenished the child would become dehydrated.
The urine output needs to be monitored. If the frequency is more than 6 times in 24 hours it is fine.
If the frequency comes down it indicates dehydration and calls for additional supplementation of fluids. But if the child becomes lethargic you would need to take the child to a hospital without delay.
The cause is self-limiting and does not need to be treated with antibiotics unless the stool is bloodstained.
Give zinc supplements like Zinconia Syr 5 ml once daily for the next 10 days. You need not worry. It should gradually return back to normal. Continue breastfeeding. Rantac need not be given.
The loose stools may persist for 2-4 days before it resolves. Please be patient. Feel free to write back.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Proper hydration needs to be ensured
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. Your child is suffering from diarrhea. It could be due to contaminated food or improper hand hygiene.
The mainstay of treatment is ORS (oral rehydration solution) if you are not breastfeeding the baby.
If you are breastfeeding the baby, just increase the amount of breastfeeding. Unless the lost salts and fluids are replenished the child would become dehydrated.
The urine output needs to be monitored. If the frequency is more than 6 times in 24 hours it is fine.
If the frequency comes down it indicates dehydration and calls for additional supplementation of fluids. But if the child becomes lethargic you would need to take the child to a hospital without delay.
The cause is self-limiting and does not need to be treated with antibiotics unless the stool is bloodstained.
Give zinc supplements like Zinconia Syr 5 ml once daily for the next 10 days. You need not worry. It should gradually return back to normal. Continue breastfeeding. Rantac need not be given.
The loose stools may persist for 2-4 days before it resolves. Please be patient. Feel free to write back.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
can i give Pediatric ORS if yes then what the doses??
Brief Answer:
Pediatric ORS is to be given
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, you should give Pediatric ORS. Give it sip by sip. The recommended amount is 10-20 mL/kg/hr with reassessment at 4-hour intervals.
Breast-feeding continues. Extra ORS or maintenance solution (e.g., 5-10 mL/kg) may be given after each stool if diarrhea persists.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Diptanshu Das, Pediatrician
Pediatric ORS is to be given
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Yes, you should give Pediatric ORS. Give it sip by sip. The recommended amount is 10-20 mL/kg/hr with reassessment at 4-hour intervals.
Breast-feeding continues. Extra ORS or maintenance solution (e.g., 5-10 mL/kg) may be given after each stool if diarrhea persists.
Hope I have answered your query.
Take care
Regards,
Dr Diptanshu Das, Pediatrician
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
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