Question
The 5-month-old baby has been experiencing diarrhea for two weeks now. They started having loose stools yesterday and had four episodes this morning. After feeding, the baby doesn’t digest milk well, passing milk curds followed by jelly-like liquid. Previous treatment and outcomes: The baby’s stool was tested at the hospital, ruling out rotavirus, and the microscope examination showed an increase in white blood cells. The doctor said there is slight inflammation and prescribed Bifidobacterium Triple-Viable Capsules, pediatric lysine, and Wensai Yang’er Decoction (the medicine has not been taken yet). This morning at 7:30 AM, the baby fed on breast milk and rice porridge, and their mental state was good, showing no loss of appetite. The stool volume was small, loose, and yellow. Should the baby take so many medications? I’m worried that the baby won’t eat the Bifidobacterium capsules. What other medication can be used instead?
Answer
Based on your description, the 5-month-old baby’s diarrhea has been ongoing for two weeks and has been diagnosed as bacterial enteritis. Treatment can include cephalosporin antibiotics and Bifidobacterium Triple-Viable Capsules. It is important to keep the abdomen warm, such as with abdominal heat compresses. When breastfeeding, the mother should use a clean towel to clean her breasts and nipples. While maintaining good dietary hygiene, the mother should avoid eating excessive cold foods like pears and watermelons. A cloth bag can be made by mixing coarse salt with mugwort and heating it in a microwave or pot before filling it to provide a warm compress for the baby’s abdomen, which can help alleviate symptoms.