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What Causes Acute Watery Diarrhea In Children?
Question: My four year old son has had intermittent sickness and diarrhoea for the past four days, only being sick at night. Started very projectile and sulphuric smelling. I am worried because a week ago he scooted through a large amount of stagnant water getting it on his hands ect, of course I took him home and washed him ect. I am probably more concerned as I work with paediatrics on the renal unit in Bristol and this is something we see alot before they can become acutely unwell. Please advise as I find it hard to be rational with my own children.
Brief Answer:
It could be starting of diarrheal episode
Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thank you for consulting in Health Care magic. I understand your concern regarding your 4 year old.
It seems your kid might be having a prodrome (starting point) of acute watery diarrhea. To relieve your concern I will suggest you the anger signs or when you should take him to a pediatrician. Unless the kid's having low urine output or very dull or excessively sleepy or blood in motion or green bilious vomiting...you need not worry. Sulfurous smelling vomitus could be due to garlic or onion ingestion too.
Unless there is blood in the motion there is no need for antibiotics or cultures. Antibiotics might worsen if unnecessarily used causing antibiotic associated diarrhea. I suggest you use zinc supplements & ORS. For nause/vomiting (if any) I would start Syrup Ondanisetron 0.15mg/kg/dose 30minutes before food thrice a day.
Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,
It could be starting of diarrheal episode
Detailed Answer:
Hi...Thank you for consulting in Health Care magic. I understand your concern regarding your 4 year old.
It seems your kid might be having a prodrome (starting point) of acute watery diarrhea. To relieve your concern I will suggest you the anger signs or when you should take him to a pediatrician. Unless the kid's having low urine output or very dull or excessively sleepy or blood in motion or green bilious vomiting...you need not worry. Sulfurous smelling vomitus could be due to garlic or onion ingestion too.
Unless there is blood in the motion there is no need for antibiotics or cultures. Antibiotics might worsen if unnecessarily used causing antibiotic associated diarrhea. I suggest you use zinc supplements & ORS. For nause/vomiting (if any) I would start Syrup Ondanisetron 0.15mg/kg/dose 30minutes before food thrice a day.
Hope my answer was helpful for you. I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,
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. Prasad
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