Question
My baby is now 23 months old. The front part of his stool is very dry before he has a bowel movement, while the back part is very soft (not solid). He drinks formula milk, and it has a little white color. After he wakes up from his nap at noon, his stool is very loose. This has been going on for about half a month. He is in good spirits, having bowel movements two to three times a day, and it gets looser each time. Thank you for your reply! Additional information: Viral enteritis. The possibility of rotavirus infection is high. Generally, the stool changes to a runny, egg white soup-like consistency. Treatment can include oral antiviral and digestive aid medications. During treatment, it is important to observe for signs of dehydration, such as fewer tears when crying, a sunken fontanelle, poor skin elasticity, reduced urine output, and a poor mental state. If dehydration occurs, provide oral rehydration salts promptly and frequently to prevent dehydration. If the baby vomits obviously, has an increased number of bowel movements, and reduced urine output, take him to the hospital immediately for intravenous fluid therapy to correct dehydration.
Answer
Viral enteritis may be the cause of your baby’s loose stool, especially with a high possibility of rotavirus infection. Typically, the stool will change to a runny, egg white soup-like consistency. For treatment, oral antiviral drugs and digestive aids can be administered. Meanwhile, during the treatment process, it is necessary to monitor for signs of dehydration such as fewer tears when crying, a sunken fontanelle, poor skin elasticity, reduced urine output, and a poor mental state. If dehydration occurs, provide oral rehydration salts promptly and frequently to prevent dehydration. If the baby shows significant vomiting, an increased frequency of bowel movements, and reduced urine output, take him to the hospital immediately for intravenous fluid therapy to correct dehydration.