Question
A four-month-old baby has been experiencing diarrhea symptoms since one month after turning one year old. The baby’s diet is normal, but recent stool tests have discovered fat globules. The baby used to primarily consume solid food, but has now switched to mainly formula milk and eggs. However, the baby has become thin and severely deficient in calcium. How should the doctor treat this condition? How should the diet be adjusted?
Answer
For a baby with recurrent diarrhea, it is first important to examine whether it is related to diet. Infants under six months should be fed on a regular and quantitative basis, with attention to warmth to prevent colds. For babies over six months, complementary foods should be gradually introduced, following the principle of starting from fine to coarse, from little to much, and from single to varied. If the addition of complementary foods is too frequent or too rapid, it may lead to dyspepsia and cause diarrhea. In addition, viral infection is also a common cause, as viral diarrhea often accompanies colds or upper respiratory infections. Treatment should be based on specific circumstances…