Hi , My 8.5 months baby has loose , watery poop 7 times , Is it Diarrhoea ? How to cure Doctor has given medicine but its been 2 days what to do

Question

Hi , My 8.5 months baby has loose , watery poop 7 times  , Is it Diarrhoea ? How to cure Doctor has given medicine but its been 2 days what to do

Accepted Answer

Loose, watery stools occurring multiple times a day in an 8.5-month-old baby can indeed indicate diarrhea. Since the doctor has already given medication but the symptoms persist after two days, here are some additional steps you can take:

1. **Hydration:** Ensure your baby stays hydrated. Offer plenty of breast milk or formula, and if advised by your doctor, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

2. **Monitor for Dehydration:** Watch for signs of dehydration, such as decreased urine output, dry mouth, lack of tears when crying, and lethargy. If you notice these signs, seek medical attention immediately.

3. **Diet:** Continue feeding your baby. Offer small, frequent meals of easily digestible foods like rice cereal, mashed bananas, applesauce, and plain toast if they are on solid foods. Avoid sugary drinks and foods high in fiber until diarrhea subsides.

4. **Follow-Up with Doctor:** If there is no improvement after two days of medication, it's crucial to follow up with your pediatrician. The doctor may need to reassess the situation, possibly adjust the treatment, or investigate further to determine the cause of the diarrhea.

5. **Maintain Hygiene:** Ensure proper hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Wash your hands thoroughly before preparing food or feeding your baby and after diaper changes.

6. **Watch for Symptoms:** Keep an eye on any additional symptoms such as fever, vomiting, blood in the stool, or if the baby appears unusually irritable or lethargic, and report these to the doctor immediately.

Persistent diarrhea in infants should be monitored closely, and ongoing communication with your healthcare provider is essential to ensure your baby's health and recovery.

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.
many times loosed motions can take 15 days to recover due to intestinal damage.
continue zinc given by dr for healing of intestinal damage.