Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Small Child, Sticky Smelly Stools, Lactose Intolerance. History Of Constipation Problems. Treatment?
My almost 7 yr old has had gassy explosive stools for years. It has been diagnosed as lactose intolerance (no milk allergy was found through tests and elimination diets ). But she still has these problems despite no lactose in her diet. Her stools are sticky and smelly. I have to clean the toilet every single day. She says she feels fine, but this isn t right. She s been put on Miralax because her pedi thought it was severe constipation, which she has had in the past. I m just worried it s something else.
Sat, 24 Nov 2012
hello there,
it seems to be some kind of malabsorption syndrome that is troubling your child. this smelly sticky stools with explosive gas is not there with lactose intolerance only.
some other causes like coeliac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, some chronic and parasitic infections etc can also lead to these symptoms.
you should discuss these possibilities with your doctor.
for diagnosis this will require proper physical examination, some blood tests like CBC (complete blood count), tissue transglutaminase, d xylose test, serum protein estimation, etc.
other tests like focal fat estimation, or may be intestinal biopsy may be required to rule our these conditions along with some chronic infections. for pancreatic insufficiency to be ruled out MRI may also be required
I hope my answer guides you
thanks for query
Dr. Amit Kumar
it seems to be some kind of malabsorption syndrome that is troubling your child. this smelly sticky stools with explosive gas is not there with lactose intolerance only.
some other causes like coeliac disease, pancreatic insufficiency, some chronic and parasitic infections etc can also lead to these symptoms.
you should discuss these possibilities with your doctor.
for diagnosis this will require proper physical examination, some blood tests like CBC (complete blood count), tissue transglutaminase, d xylose test, serum protein estimation, etc.
other tests like focal fat estimation, or may be intestinal biopsy may be required to rule our these conditions along with some chronic infections. for pancreatic insufficiency to be ruled out MRI may also be required
I hope my answer guides you
thanks for query
Dr. Amit Kumar
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on Milk allergy
Loading Online Doctors....