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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Child Having Severe Diarrhea, Vomitings. Drinking Alimentum. Prescribed Pedialyte. How To Get Relief?

My Grandson is 16 months on Nov 24. For at least 7 days now he has had severe diarhea and some vomiting. He drinks Alimentum because he is allergic to everything else and he has been trowing up that also. He has eaten some things like noodles and his bowel got a little better, but basically it is highly acidic and caused a diaper rash that is burning his skin so much to almost cause blisters. I just called his Pediatrician and he said just keep giving him pedialyte which he has been taking for a week instead of juice. I asked if he needed an antibiotic and he said not for a virus. How long does this virus last, anyway? He said if he keeps vomiting then come see him, but keep him on pedialyte for at least 8 hours. I'm his gramma. I'm worried about him. His mom just started a new job and can't miss any days for 90 days, so she's in a bind. I want to help, but don't know what to suggest besides an antibiotic? Pepto Bismol? Immodium? What?
Sat, 9 Nov 2013
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Pediatrician,  's  Response
Hi there,

Sorry to hear about your grandson suffering.

It seems like he is suffering from acute gastroenteritis which means just gut bug which has already started to slow down.

Most commonly it is caused by a virus which takes its due course and you just have to keep him hydrated till then. Often after such an infection, there is transient increase in gastro-colic reflex which means whatever he eats or drinks will come out the other way.

In such circumstances, it needs patience, continue to keep him hydrated with pedialyte and try to avoid the flavored ones since they can increase the diarrhea load, try to encourage soft solid foods which are easy to digest.
Since he is already on alimentum, it is a safe formula to give during diarrhea.

If your grandson is having increasing diarrhea and unable to keep pedialyte down secondary to vomiting, or decrease in urination, mucus or blood in his stools or fever, then he should be seen by his pediatrician. And, in any of the above situations, I would suggest he should have his stool tested for WBCs, microscopy and culture.

Also, if he has been on prolonged antibiotics in the recent past and his diarrhea has started after being on these antibiotics, then he will need to be tested for an additional organism : clostridium difficile toxin and be treated with antibiotics for the same if tested positive.

Hope this helps.

Regards,
Dr. Sumeet.
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Child Having Severe Diarrhea, Vomitings. Drinking Alimentum. Prescribed Pedialyte. How To Get Relief?

Hi there, Sorry to hear about your grandson suffering. It seems like he is suffering from acute gastroenteritis which means just gut bug which has already started to slow down. Most commonly it is caused by a virus which takes its due course and you just have to keep him hydrated till then. Often after such an infection, there is transient increase in gastro-colic reflex which means whatever he eats or drinks will come out the other way. In such circumstances, it needs patience, continue to keep him hydrated with pedialyte and try to avoid the flavored ones since they can increase the diarrhea load, try to encourage soft solid foods which are easy to digest. Since he is already on alimentum, it is a safe formula to give during diarrhea. If your grandson is having increasing diarrhea and unable to keep pedialyte down secondary to vomiting, or decrease in urination, mucus or blood in his stools or fever, then he should be seen by his pediatrician. And, in any of the above situations, I would suggest he should have his stool tested for WBCs, microscopy and culture. Also, if he has been on prolonged antibiotics in the recent past and his diarrhea has started after being on these antibiotics, then he will need to be tested for an additional organism : clostridium difficile toxin and be treated with antibiotics for the same if tested positive. Hope this helps. Regards, Dr. Sumeet.