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What Causes Recurrent Watery Stools?

Posted on Fri, 9 May 2014

Question: My daughter is 4 years old. A week back she had watery stools which were of very offensive smell,and passed them as soon as she had eaten something. She also got mild fever. She was prescribed lanzol junior and sup vizilac for 3 days. Her stools returned to normal but appetite was gone. Now after stopping the medicine, she is passing offensive stools. She is also feeling very hungry and wants to eat something every hour. She is particularly eating 10-15 biscuits every day. Could the same be the reason for watery and offensive stools?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (14 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Biscuits can also contribute foul smell in stools Detailed Answer: Namasthe Welcome to healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Ms XXXXXXX Babies usually do pass offensive stools during the recovery phase of Gastro-enteritis. If the appetite is good and no signs of dehydration there is no cause for concern. Ideally biscuits are not good (they contain maida and cause constipation). But they may be beneficial in diarrhea as they provide calorie requirement. Excessive consumption of biscuits which contain carbohydrates and fermentation in intestine may also contribute to foul smell of stools. Try giving the following also 1. Dhal water 2. Rice water 3. Dhalia 4. Coconut water 5. Khichdi and curds Do get back to me if you need any further assistance, will be glad to assist you. Take Care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kishore MBBS,MS,MCH Consultant Pediatric Surgeon

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (20 minutes later)

Thanks you for your quick repky- that was really helpful. Can you please let me know as to how can I be certain that there are no signs of dehydration? At present she doesn't seem to be dehydrated, but I am not absolutely sure. She passed stools 2 times today and 3 times yesterday, and the constitution alternates between normal to semi liquid. There is no mucus or blood in the stools.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Signs of dehydration described below Detailed Answer: Dear Ms XXXXX Stool frequency of twice a day, with no blood and mucous is an indication that she is settling down. The signs of dehydration are 1. Decreased Urine output: Normally baby passes Urine 6- 7 times a day. 2. Eyes look sunken 3. Dry oral mucosa/Tongue 4. On pinching the skin of forearm and releasing it, it should immediately go back to its normal position. If there is delay, its likely to be due to decreased fluids in tissue causing loss of turgor. 5. Baby is lethargic/dull 6. Baby looks less interested in surrounding. Do get back to me if you need any further assistance. Take Care Regards Dr Deepak

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (5 days later)

Dear Doctor XXXXXXX Avantika's stomach is again upset since yesterday morning. She is passing stools 6-7 times during the day. Stools aren't exactly loose but they also aren't like her normal constitution either. The foul smells are gone as well and there is no mucus or blood. However she passes stools quite soon after eating meals. Her appetite has also increased significantly- she wants something to eat every hour. Even soft diets like dahlia water and khichdi and curd are not helping here. I am giving her lanzol tablet as well as econorm powder for the time being. She is otherwise quite normal as and very active. She also doesn't seem to be in any pain. This doesn't seem like a normal stomach upset. I am really worried now. Please advise on what to do.

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Its usual due to hyperactive gastro-colic reflex Detailed Answer: Namasthe Dear Ms XXXXXXX Every baby has their own bowel habit and frequency. Its quite usual for the babies to pass stools after every feeds. Its due to hyperactive gastro-colic reflex in babies. Whenever there is gastric distension by feeds, it stimulates evacuation of stools by causing reflex peristalsis in colon. If the baby is accepting feeds well, no foul smelling stools, passing adequate quantity of urine and is playful then there seems to be no cause for concern. Do get back to me for any further query or clarfication. Take Care Bet Regards Deepak

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

Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (15 minutes later)

Do hyperactive gastro colic reflex come and go of their own? Her bowel frequency was twice a day till a month back. How long does this persist? Can this be controlled by diet or any other medicine?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (17 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Its a normal phenomenon and cannot be controlled Detailed Answer: Hi Ms XXXXXXX The reflex which usually occurs in development of baby and which is natural cannot be controlled by diet or medicine. Its totally harmless and the bowel habits will regularize as the baby grows. There is absolutely no need to be worried about if the baby is playful, no dehydration, accepting feeds well and urine adequate. Take Care Regards Deepak

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