Can switching to whole milk from formula cause diarrhea?

Question

Hello doctor,

My 1-year-old daughter recently switched from formula to whole milk. Two days after drinking the whole milk, she began to have diarrhea multiple times a day, as well as abdominal pain. I was told to try and give her lactose-free milk, but it has currently been almost two weeks now, and she is still experiencing diarrhea and pain, and now she has a runny nose and is running a little warmer than usual. I was wondering what I can do, and if it would be okay to try and give her some soy milk?

Please suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern

As per the limited information, it looks like a viral illness with diarrhea. It may be just a coincidence that it happened after a switch to whole milk.

Will you be comfortable sharing some more details?

Is the stool watery?

Does the stool have a fishy smell, or is it without any smell?
What is the color of the stool, and how many motions is she having in a day?
Is she passing urine well?
Is she accepting feeds well?
What medications have you given till now?

If she is otherwise fine, active, passing urine well, accepting orally well, then get the following stool test :-

Stool Analysis Routine: ova and cysts.
Stool for Rotavirus.
Stool for reducing substance.

Meanwhile take this medication

Pedialyte ready-to-drink solution (ORS) - 75 to 100 ml after each loose motion.
Syrup Chlorohistol (antihistamine) - 2.5 ml twice a day for three days.
Normal saline nasal drops - Two drops in each nostril every four hours for three days.

Connect with me along with all the information and the stool report. I will advise you accordingly.

I would be happy if I could help you.

Thank you.