Question
An infant has been experiencing persistent diarrhea since birth. At 45 days old, a hospital examination revealed mucoid stools. While waiting for the infant to defecate, the doctor advised against using pre-prepared medication. How should this situation be handled?
Answer
The infant is suffering from acute enterogastritis, which falls under pediatric acute enteritis, a common condition due to the fragile gastrointestinal system of infants and young children. Preventive measures should be strengthened on a regular basis. In case of severe symptoms, immediate medical emergency should be sought, and treatment should be tailored to the specific symptoms of the infant. For instance, if accompanied by high fever, fever-reducing treatment should be administered; if diarrhea and vomiting are severe, antiemetic and antidiarrheal therapy is required, while intravenous fluid administration should be given to replenish fluids and nutrients. When administering medication, it is crucial to first determine the cause of the enterogastritis to select the appropriate medication more accurately.