Question
How should I handle my 8-month-old’s continuous 3-day diarrhea? My baby has had diarrhea for three consecutive days, with more than five episodes daily. The regular stool test is normal. Why? Can the regular stool test detect rotavirus infection causing diarrhea? Additional Question: The stool is yellow and watery, with a sour smell!
Answer
Hello, acute watery diarrhea is often caused by rotavirus or toxin-producing bacteria. In young children, especially those under two years old, diarrhea occurring during autumn and winter suggests a high possibility of rotavirus enteritis. In summer, it may indicate enteritis caused by toxin-producing Escherichia coli. Clinically, it’s important to differentiate from bacterial dysentery, cholera, and other intestinal infectious diseases. If the child shows no signs of dehydration, home treatment can be considered. The principles are as follows:
- Start by giving the child more fluids to prevent dehydration as soon as diarrhea begins. It is recommended to use:
- Rice porridge mixed with salt solution: 500ml (equivalent to a bottle of wine) + 1.75g of fine salt (half a beer cap), taken at any time; give as much as they can drink.
- Sugar-salt water: 500ml of boiled water + 10g of sucrose (two small spoons) + 1.75g of fine salt, taken at any time.
- Provide the child with enough food to prevent malnutrition.
- Closely monitor the condition. If the child’s clinical symptoms do not improve within three days of treatment or if any of the following symptoms appear, it is advisable to seek medical attention:
- An increase in the frequency and amount of diarrhea
- Frequent vomiting
- Severe thirst
- Inability to eat normally
- Fever
- Bloody stool