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What Causes Bowel Movement 6 To 8 Times A Day?

Posted on Sat, 15 Nov 2014

Question: Hi doctor, my baby is about to complete 5 months. He passes stool about 6-8 times a day. It is sticky and with good amount of water. Sometimes I find mucus as well. He is on solids, breastfeeding and formula. Doctor prescribed entero germino for 3 days. But did not subside. Now on walamycin suspension. Gave 3 times till now. But it has not yet improved. Am I in the right track?

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (50 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Looks like viral diarrhea-no worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi....It seems your kid is having acute watery diarrhea. 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.

Antibiotics might worsen if unnecessarily used causing antibiotic associated diarrhea. I suggest you use zinc supplements & ORS...

Hope my answer was helpful for you. Happy to help anytime. Further clarifications and consultations on Health Care Magic are welcome.
Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (11 minutes later)

Thanks doctor. He is on zinconia 2.5 ml per day as well. Are you suggesting to stop walamycin. And how can we differenciate between viral diarrhea and bacterial diarrhea? And how often should ors be given? Normally how long does this take to subside?Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Sumanth Amperayani (59 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Answers one by one

Detailed Answer:
Hi...
1. Syrup Zinconia contains 20mg/5ml strength of Zinc, so I suggest you give 5ml once daily for 14 days.
2. Yes, stop walamycin as it's an antibiotic.
3. Presence of blood admixed with stools is the marker of bacterial dysentery... Otherwise it's only viral diarrhea.
4. ORS should be given as when there is loose stool and as much the child drinks...other option is giving 10ml/kg of the kid's bodyweight with every large stool. But simply putting it keep giving it as much as the kid can consume.
5. Usually once it starts it will be there for 7-10 days... But if danger signs develop youneed medical attention like - low urine output or very dull or excessively sleepy or blood in motion or green bilious vomiting.
Regards - Dr. Sumanth

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar