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What Causes Loose Motions In An Infant?

Posted on Mon, 13 Jul 2015

Question: sir i have 5 mnths girl baby and she was suffering from potties for 10 to 12 times daily.after giving antibiotics for some days,it comes under control but after some days later,again it started.but the activities are good,no weight problem and urine is normal more than 8 times.plz suggest us.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
It takes time for stool pattern to get normal

Detailed Answer:
Hello

Thanks for the query

The most common cause of loose motion in this age is due to some viral infection.Unless associated with blood or mucus antibiotic is not needed in most of the cases.
The main aim of management is to prevent dehydration by giving plenty of fluids.The stool pattern takes time to get normal sometimes upto 14 days.
During loose stool there is some transient lactose intolerance.Avoidance of lactose based milk formula(if baby is top fed) or to withhold breast milk for few days and to give soya based formulas helps in control of loose stool to some extent.
Giving probiotic(lactobacillus/Saccharomyces) and zinc syrup helps is early recovery.
If baby is passing urine adequately,accepting oral feeds well and activity is good I won't get worried.
With the help of all theses measures stool pattern get normal in most of the cases.

I shall be glad to answer if you have any more query.
Wish your baby speedy recovery.
Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (13 hours later)

should i continue the use of ofloxacin and ornidazole suspnsion that was adviced by my doctor.he told me that there is swelling in her intestine.and i continue treatment for past one month.also plz suggest soya based food for my baby

Answered by Dr. Dr. Pradeep Kumar Jain (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Stop using antibiotic

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the follow up

As mentioned earlier antibiotic is needed when stool is mixed with blood or mucus.
Such long term use of antibiotic can cause damage to normal gut flora and may precipitate the loose stool.
So I won't suggest you to continue the antibiotic as stool is not mixed with blood or mucus.
Give probiotic like Bifilac/Prowell/Enterogermina twice a day for 5 days.
Give Zinc suspension 5 ml daily for 14 days.
You can give lactose free formula(soy based formula) like isomil.

Please do ask if you have any more doubts.
Regards

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