My son has diarrhea whenever he eats. How to improve his digestion?

Question

Hello doctor,

My son is 1 year 9 months old. He had severe diarrhea when he was 6 months old. After that, his stomach became very sensitive with chronic indigestion and poor weight gain. He is around 10 kg. His birth weight was 2.7 kg. His diet is very restricted and limited. I give baby formula, rice khichdi, raw banana, and boil potatoes. He cannot tolerate fatty, protein-rich food like ghee and oil. I am very worried about his situation as I belong to a small town, and there are no proper medical facilities here.

His celiac test is normal. What other tests should I do? He passes motion immediately after food. Whenever he takes medicines and probiotics, he is better, but once that is stopped, his stomach is upset again. In a month, his stomach gets upset about two to three times. I now give him Bacigyl N, Ecobion Bc, Zinc syrup and Longifene DS. Please suggest me a syrup, that would improve his digestion and appetite.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Try modifying the child's diet to home-based diet that includes cereals, pulses, vegetables, and fruits. Do not give products like biscuits, chips, and chocolates.

You have already investigated for celiac. Now, you can get stool pH and fecal reducing substance tests to rule out lactose intolerance.

You can continue the medications like probiotics, and Zinc.

Revert with more information to a paediatrician online

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

According to protocol, his weight at 2 years should be four times the birth weight.

Prolonged intake of Aristozyme and Longifene is not recommended.

As I have already mentioned, do try to provide a home-based diet and avoid store-bought and processed foods. Refrain from giving chips, biscuits, and chocolates as they can decrease the appetite.

Also, deworm your child with syrup Albendazole 200 mg or 5 ml stat single dose.

If lactose intolerance was diagnosed a year back, get it investigated again as it could resolve with age.

I suggest you consult a pediatric gastroenterologist if his condition does not improve. He will require some clinical evaluation and work up.

For more information consult a paediatrician online

Answer 3

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

You have written an exhaustive description. I understand that you are stressing out about your child's health.

It is good that you have been giving him only home cooked food. Please continue to do so.

I would still suggest visiting a pediatric gastroenterologist with a prior appointment in the nearest city. You will need to consult him/her for a clinical assessment. A proper diet chart has to be chalked out for your baby by the gastroenterologist as well as dietician. This will really help. You should prepare a questionnaire, and also a diet chart of foods you give the baby, before visiting him/her.

For more information consult a paediatrician online