How to manage loose motion and fever in my 9-month-old baby?

Question

Hi doctor,

My 9-month-old son started having loose motions this afternoon. He also has redness around his diaper area and a mild fever.

Could you please guide me on what I should do and whether this requires any specific treatment?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query.

As a child specialist, I understand your concern. Loose motions for a few hours along with a mild fever in a 9-month-old baby are most commonly caused by viral gastroenteritis (a viral stomach infection). This is usually a temporary infection of the stomach and intestines that can cause diarrhea, fever, and sometimes vomiting.

The primary concern at this stage should be avoiding dehydration, which happens when the body loses fluid in excess of the amount of fluid intake. Keep breastfeeding your baby often and give him some ORS (oral rehydration solution) after every loose stool. Increasing the frequency of feedings will also help ensure proper hydration.

Make sure that you monitor for dehydration signs such as dry mouth/tongue, lack of tears when crying, sunken eyes, less urine production (smaller number of wet diapers compared to normal), increased sleepiness, and less activity. These signs indicate that you need to take your baby to the doctor.

The redness in the diaper area may be a case of diaper rash, which usually happens when the baby's skin gets irritated by frequent loose stools. Clean this part of the skin gently using water, pat it dry but do not rub, and apply a thick layer of zinc oxide diaper rash cream when changing the diaper.

If your baby's temperature is above 100.4°F (38°C), Paracetamol (Acetaminophen) may be given. Please let me know your baby's current weight so I can advise the appropriate dose.

Please have your child examined by a doctor immediately if there is blood or mucus in the stool, repeated vomiting, refusal to breastfeed or drink fluids, a high or persistent fever, signs of dehydration, or if the diarrhea becomes very frequent or severe.

To guide you further, please let me know:

How many loose stools has he passed since this afternoon?
Is he vomiting?
What is his current temperature?
What is his current weight?

These details will help me advise you more accurately.

I hope this helps.

Please revert in case of further queries.

Thank you.