Question
My 8-month-old has been experiencing diarrhea for three consecutive days, with more than five episodes each day. The routine stool test is normal. Why? Can the routine stool test detect rotavirus infection causing diarrhea? Additional information: The stool is yellowish and watery with a sour smell!
Answer
Acute watery diarrhea is often caused by rotavirus or enterotoxigenic bacteria infections. In young children, especially those under two years old, diarrhea occurring in autumn and winter is more likely to be due to rotavirus enteritis, while in summer, it’s more likely to be due to enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli enteritis. Clinically, it is important to differentiate from other intestinal infectious diseases such as bacterial dysentery and cholera. If the child does not show signs of dehydration, they can be treated at home. The principles include: 1. Start by giving the child extra oral fluids to prevent dehydration; suggest using either ① rice porridge mixed with salt solution, preparation method: 500ml of rice porridge (equivalent to a bottle of 1 jin) + 1.75g of fine salt (half a beer cap), taken orally at any time; or ② sugar-salt solution, preparation method: 500ml of boiled water + 10g of sucrose (two small spoons) + 1.75g of fine salt, taken orally at any time. 2. Provide the child with enough nutrition to prevent malnutrition. 3. Closely monitor the condition; if the child does not show improvement in clinical symptoms within three days of treatment or if any of the following symptoms appear, they should seek medical attention: ① an increase in the frequency and amount of diarrhea; ② frequent vomiting; ③ significant thirst; ④ inability to eat normally; ⑤ fever; ⑥ bloody stools