Hi, my 20 months son having potty 4-5 times a day from a week, seems like Teething or may be Hot weather.

Gave entogermina twice a week but no improvement. Any suggestions or med!

Question

Hi, my 20 months son having potty 4-5 times a day from a week, seems like Teething or may be Hot weather.

Gave entogermina twice a week but no improvement. Any suggestions or med!

Accepted Answer

if loose motions are not improving then please go for stool examination (stool rm and stool culture).
this will tell if loose motions are due to persistent infection or it is a part of delayed intestinal healing or is osmotic diarrhoea or due to lactose intolerance.
can continue probiotics like sachet econorm / respule enterogermina (twice daily), ors.
cannot give
 milk and dairy products, sugary diet, biscuits maida, icecream, packet foods, tea, coffee, soda, chocolate, nonveg diet, fried items (cerelac in small children).
can give
rice, dal, khichdi curd butter milk, apple banana, lime water coconut water, poha upma daliya.
remain in contact with dr.u
many times loose motions can take 15 days to recover due to intestinal damage.
continue zinc given by dr for healing of intestinal damage. 6

Accepted Answer

Frequent bowel movements in a 20-month-old child can be concerning, especially if it has been ongoing for a week. While teething and hot weather can sometimes affect a child's bowel habits, it's important to ensure there isn't an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Here are some steps and considerations:

### Possible Causes:
1. **Teething:**
   - Teething can sometimes cause loose stools, but it usually doesn't lead to prolonged diarrhea.
   
2. **Dietary Changes:**
   - Changes in diet, introduction of new foods, or food intolerances can affect bowel habits.

3. **Infections:**
   - Viral or bacterial infections can cause diarrhea. Monitor for signs like fever, vomiting, or lethargy.

4. **Heat and Hydration:**
   - Hot weather can lead to dehydration, which can affect bowel movements. Ensure your child is well-hydrated.

### Steps to Take:

1. **Consult Your Pediatrician:**
   - It's important to consult with your pediatrician to rule out any infections or underlying medical conditions. They may recommend a stool test to check for infections or other issues.

2. **Monitor Hydration:**
   - Ensure your child is staying hydrated. Offer plenty of fluids, such as water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), and breast milk or formula if still applicable.
   - Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, decreased urination, and lethargy.

3. **Dietary Adjustments:**
   - **BRAT Diet:** Consider offering bland foods that can help firm up stools, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (BRAT diet).
   - Avoid dairy products if they seem to worsen symptoms, as some children may temporarily develop lactose intolerance during or after diarrhea.
   - Avoid sugary drinks and foods, as they can exacerbate diarrhea.

4. **Maintain Good Hygiene:**
   - Wash hands thoroughly to prevent the spread of infections.
   - Keep your child’s toys and environment clean.

5. **Medications:**
   - Avoid giving over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications to young children without a doctor's recommendation.
   - Probiotics may be suggested by your pediatrician to help restore healthy gut bacteria.

### When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention:
- If your child shows signs of severe dehydration.
- If there is blood in the stool.
- If your child has a high fever.
- If your child is lethargic or unusually irritable.
- If diarrhea persists beyond a few days despite dietary adjustments and hydration.

### Conclusion:
Frequent bowel movements in a young child can be due to a variety of factors, including teething, dietary changes, and infections. It's crucial to consult with your pediatrician to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment. In the meantime, focus on hydration, offering bland foods, and monitoring for any signs of worsening symptoms. Always follow your pediatrician's advice for managing your child's health concerns.