My 9-month-old daughter is having frequent loose motions. How to control it?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Loose motion (diarrhea) is a common problem in young kids. It is very important to make sure that your daughter is well hydrated till she gets better. It is very good that you are already giving ORS (oral rehydration solution), which needs to be given frequently. Loose stools can last for some days before getting better. It will help to clear the body of germs and toxins. I need to ask you a few more questions to guide you in the right direction;

How many times a day does she have loose stools? Is there any blood in the stool? Is she having any pain? Does she cry while having stools? Is there any vomiting? Is there any fever? If there is no fever, there is no need to give Paracetamol. Any signs of dehydration (lips and tongue dry, not passing urine as usual). Is her weight gain good and within normal range? Is she otherwise her usual self, or is she ill-looking, crying, and confused?

Treatment plan: Provide your daughter with frequent sips of ORS throughout the day. For every loose stool, she needs to be given two teaspoons of ORS. Assuming her weight to be 15 to 17 lbs, you should give five to six tablespoons of ORS for every loose stool. ORS needs to be continued till loose stools stop. You can also give tender coconut water if available. Give bland non-spicy food like plain rice cake, or rice for some days. If she is still breastfeeding, it is good to continue. If available, you can give Enterogermina (probiotic) oral suspension 2 mini ampoules a day for three days. You can mix with water and give her. Zinsy (Zinc acetate) syrup one teaspoon once a day for a week. The most common reason for loose stools at this age is viral, so antibiotics are not needed. But if she has a fever or bloody mucus stools, she will need to be examined. Otherwise, a loose motion will settle in 4 to 5 days. Due to the COVID lockdown, visiting a hospital or clinic may be difficult. But if your daughter shows any of the following signs, she needs to be taken to the nearest hospital or clinic to be examined by a pediatrician. Suppose she looks sick, not drinking ORS, lips, and tongue getting dry, not passing urine even once in six hours, if she looks dull and crying excessively, blood in stools. If you have any further concerns, you can contact us again for further advice.

Take care.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

It is helpful to know the additional details. It does not appear that your child is dehydrated, which is good. Continue the following advice given earlier. ORS is the most important medicine to be continued. In case the child does not get well or becomes dehydrated (as described earlier), take her to the nearest pediatrician.

Take care.