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What Causes Severe Diarrhea In A Child?

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Posted on Wed, 10 May 2017
Question: Dear Sir

My daughter is 2 years old (14.4 kg)
She is suffering from severe loose motions today. Exactly 12-13 times. She also vomited thrice (vomited twice and then once after giving her Ondem)
We have given her Entogermina and one dose of Diof.

The loose morons are not stopping. she is cranky and drowsy and quiet.
What should we do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (24 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
ORS is the mainstay of treatment.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

I have gone carefully through your query. Your daughter had an episode of gastroenteritis, possibly due to viral cause. It could leave her in a fluid and salt depleted stage. Such a condition of electrolyte imbalance needs to be treated with ORS (oral rehydration solution) as well as juicy fruits like citrus fruits and bananas. They should replenish the gap. Unless the lost salts and fluids are replenished the child would become dehydrated. The urine output needs to be monitored. If the frequency comes down it indicates dehydration and calls for additional supplementation of fluids. But if the child becomes lethargic you would need to take the child to a hospital without delay.

Give zinc supplements like Zinconia Syr 7.5 ml once daily for the next 10 days. You need not worry. It should gradually return back to normal. Also give curd or yogurt since it contains plenty of beneficial bacteria and should help. You can give Enterogermina. Diof (ofloxacin) is an antibiotic and need not be given unless there is bloody diarrhea (dysentery).

The vomiting and loose stools may persist for a couple of days before it resolves. The loose stools may continue slightly longer. Medicines will not make them go away rapidly. Please be patient. Feel free to write back.

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Diptanshu Das (12 minutes later)
sir our the child is lethargic but we are giving her ors regularly. also what should be her urine frequency so that we can be certain that hospital is not needed!
doctor
Answered by Dr. Diptanshu Das (15 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Should pass urine every few hours

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. The child should pass urine every few hours (at least 6-8 times in 24 hours). If the child is not passing urine for at least 6 hours you would need to take her to a hospital.

Regards
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
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Diptanshu Das

Pediatrician

Practicing since :2005

Answered : 3878 Questions

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What Causes Severe Diarrhea In A Child?

Brief Answer: ORS is the mainstay of treatment. Detailed Answer: Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic. I have gone carefully through your query. Your daughter had an episode of gastroenteritis, possibly due to viral cause. It could leave her in a fluid and salt depleted stage. Such a condition of electrolyte imbalance needs to be treated with ORS (oral rehydration solution) as well as juicy fruits like citrus fruits and bananas. They should replenish the gap. Unless the lost salts and fluids are replenished the child would become dehydrated. The urine output needs to be monitored. If the frequency comes down it indicates dehydration and calls for additional supplementation of fluids. But if the child becomes lethargic you would need to take the child to a hospital without delay. Give zinc supplements like Zinconia Syr 7.5 ml once daily for the next 10 days. You need not worry. It should gradually return back to normal. Also give curd or yogurt since it contains plenty of beneficial bacteria and should help. You can give Enterogermina. Diof (ofloxacin) is an antibiotic and need not be given unless there is bloody diarrhea (dysentery). The vomiting and loose stools may persist for a couple of days before it resolves. The loose stools may continue slightly longer. Medicines will not make them go away rapidly. Please be patient. Feel free to write back. Regards