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How to manage severe diarrhea?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My 6-year-old son has been super sick since last night. He has been throwing up nonstop and cannot even keep sips of water down. Now he is just lying there super weak and barely talks. Diarrhea is so bad, too. We thought it was just food poisoning, but it has been 12-plus hours, and he looks pale and kind of dazed (confused or not able to think clearly). His lips look dry, and he has not peed all day. Should we rush him to the emergency room (ER) or wait it out? At what point are intravenous (IV) fluids needed? What signs mean he is too dehydrated?

Kindly help.

Answered by Dr. Ghulam Fareed

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I have reviewed your case history and advise you to do the following:

  1. He is already very dehydrated, as you explained. You should visit the emergency room (ER) for intravenous (IV) fluids and anti-vomiting medicine.

  2. He is very young, so the risk of dehydration complications is high, like kidney injury leading to low urine output and electrolyte imbalance, considering profound diarrhea.

  3. Home remedies usually work for simple diarrhea, but it is the dehydration that we will have to prevent, which can cause complications.

  4. In the hospital, relevant laboratories can be ordered, too, considering his response to IV fluids and medication.

Kindly consult a specialist doctor, talk with them, and take proper guidance.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At April 11, 2025
Reviewed At April 21, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Ghulam Fareed is a skilled medical gastroenterologist with expertise in diagnosing and treating digestive system disorders. He specializes in managing conditions like acid reflux, hepatitis, ulcers, and inflammatory bowel disease. With years of clinical experience, he focuses on accurate evaluation, advanced endoscopic procedures, and long-term gastrointestinal health management.      

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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