Question
Hello pediatrician, I’m very worried lately because my child has been suffering from diarrhea and the symptoms keep coming back. We have already seen a doctor, can you help us?
Answer
Gastroenteritis, also known as stomach flu, is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines that can cause diarrhea in infants, children, and adults. It is very common and can be caused by many different viruses. The most common pathogen is the rotavirus, which is responsible for about half of the hospitalized diarrhea cases and is more prevalent during the late autumn and early winter. If your baby has diarrhea and is accompanied by stomach cramps, vomiting, and a low fever, it is likely to be caused by gastroenteritis. Be aware that if your baby eats or drinks too little, they may lose a lot of fluids. It is recommended not to give juice to babies under 6 months old, and for those over 6 months, the daily juice intake should not exceed approximately 113 to 170 milliliters. Improperly prepared formula milk can also lead to diarrhea in babies, so make sure to mix it according to the proportions when preparing it.