Suggest Treatment For Stomach Infection And Vomiting In An Infant

Posted on Sun, 1 Jan 2017

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

Sun, 1 Jan 2017 Answered on

Mon, 23 Jan 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : Hi, my 6 month old infant has bad stomach infection. She has vomiting, 101 fever and loose motions. Doctor has prescribed coliza 6 drops 3 times each, motinorm 0.5 ml thrice, OFM 2.5 ml twice, wikoryl 6 drops thrice. My query is, shd v rely on breastfeeding or is it advisable to give saline/IV? She has become too weak due to loose motions. Doctor is not willing to give any sleep inducing medicine.

After taking these medicines as mentioned above, her vomiting has stopped a bit but motion is on. Very watery and liquid motion. Worried about dehydration and at the same time the IV procedure. Further, how do v know that baby is not suffering from dehydration?

Answered by Dr. Taher Y Kagalwala (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
All she needs is ORS and paracetamol. Time will heal her.

Detailed Answer:
Dear parent,

Thank you very much for choosing this online platform for your question.
I think your precious little one is suffering from winter diarrhoea. This is usually caused by some kind of virus.

Your concerns are understandable. First of all, remember that vomiting and diarrhoea cause dehydration that can be easily prevented by ensuring that she continues to drink oral rehydration salts (ORS) solution in small frequently given quantities. Usually, giving 4-5 ml (i.e. 1tsp) every few minutes is more likely to be accepted and retained rather than giving her big quantities that she may vomit.

Usually, diarrhoeas last for a week to 10 days, so please don't worry about continuing loose stools. You can ask your doctor for a prescription of RACECADOTRIL. Give this mixed with water 10 mg XXXXXXX 1 XXXXXXX 3 times a day for a maximum of 7 days or until the diarrhoea stops.

Use paracetamol 2.5 ml Calpol 120 mg as needed for fever.

Dehydration manifests with increased thirst, crankiness and a dry look to the baby's face. Our aim should be to prevent that from happening.

If her stools are yellow to light green and smell of milk or curd, she won't need OFM. You may stop it. Also, does she actually need a cold medicine? If not, you may also stop the Wikoryl.

Please do not hesitate to contact me again if you need to. I am quite confident she will recover soon. Best wishes for a healthy 2017.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Taher Y Kagalwala (47 hours later)

Thanks doctor. We got her admitted though since she looked very pale and sunken. Gave her 2 IV of 250ml with medication for loose motions, vomit and diaherra. At home there were no signs of any cough. But now in the hospital, suddenly she started showing severe cough. We do not know how I just two days she developed so much cough. Is it because of medicines/treatment process? Her blood report does not show any infection.

Answered by Dr. Taher Y Kagalwala (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
This is still compatible with a virus

Detailed Answer:
The presence or development of cough in your daughter is still compatible with a viral illness. I wouldn't worry about this as much. However, I am worried to know if she was given IV fluids because the doctor thought so or because you were very anxious about the whole thing and wanted a very quick cure. In the meantime, please keep in touch and most likely, her diarrhoeal episodes will subside.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T