What are the causes of abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrhea in a 2.5-year-old baby boy?

Question

Hello,

My 2.5-year-old son has abdominal pain, foul-smelling, yellow, and watery diarrhea seven to eight times per day (even while sleeping), nausea, vomiting, weight loss, chills, but no temperature. As soon as he drinks water, Pedialyte, or eats saltine, he complains of pain. Urine output is decreased. He was seen by a pediatrician last week, and based on his symptoms; he was extremely sure of viral gastroenteritis. He gave Ondansetron 2 mg eight hourly, Pedialyte, crackers, and a BRAT diet. Vomiting was resolved after the first dose, but there is no improvement in the abdominal pain, chills, & diarrhea. Please advise something, doctor. Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

Your son is suffering from acute gastroenteritis, possibly of viral etiology.

As the symptoms have been for the last eight days, the vomiting is still there. The child has also suffered weight loss. Now the child is heading towards persistent diarrhea.

In my opinion, the child needs acute hospitalization with intravenous rehydration and antibiotics along with the modified dietary supplements.

Also, giardiasis needs to be ruled out.

Thanks and regards.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

In my suggestion, he may need a lactose-free diet for around six weeks till his brush-border epithelial cells of the intestine heal.

Thanks and regards.