Question
A 6-month-old baby developed diarrhea and a low-grade fever (body temperature of 38.5 degrees Celsius) after taking calcium supplements today, following a fever two days ago. The baby’s laboratory and stool routine examination results were normal. The past treatment history and effectiveness are unclear. We seek expert assistance.
Answer
Calcium supplementation usually does not cause diarrhea. The baby’s diarrhea and fever, considering the circumstances, may suggest an intestinal infection rather than being caused by the calcium supplementation. It is recommended to further examine the stool routine to exclude the possibility of infection. If infection is the cause, appropriate anti-infection treatment is needed. When dealing with diarrhea, attention should be paid to signs of dehydration in the baby, as dehydration is a serious issue. It is important to observe the baby’s urine output, skin, orbits, and tears.