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hello monica, i read your question and can understand your concerns. in the medicine we have to think and treat common things first.your doctor is right initially for thinking it as viral gastoenteritis ,which is most common cause of infantile diarrhea.viral G.E is self limiting condition,needs no active treatment and supportive measures like nutrition and fluid balance has to be maintained well. but 1 month is little bit longer period to think as viral origin,so it may be bacterial enteritis,irritable bowel syndrome or lactose intolerance in my opinion. so he needs stool exam for ova,cysts,parasite and bacterial culture studies. lactose intolerance also a strong possibility which should be investigated.if this is positive you have to immediately stop lactogen 1 and has to give lactose free preparations. for better understanding of child hood diarrhoea,please read the following article which i got it from web for information on infantile diarrhea and lactose intolerance. check with experienced paediatrician for this problem and wish everything will be allright. Diarrhea occurs when the colon or large intestine becomes irritated. This can be caused by many things, including infection, chemical toxins, inflammation, stress, or anxiety. The colon responds to this irritation in the following ways: • increases the amount of water and mucous in the stool • increases the frequency of emptying the stools from the body • decreases the amount of water it reabsorbs from the stool Most of the time, diarrhea in children is caused by the viruses that cause gastroenteritis. Diarrhea is often associated with vomiting. Following are other causes of diarrhea: • bacteria that invade the intestinal tract • gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome • inherited birth defects such as cystic fibrosis • introduction of a new food • toxins from contaminated food It is important to be able to tell the difference between diarrhea and the normal loose, watery stools of infants in the first 6 to 8 weeks of life. Breast-fed infants normally have stools that look like watery, yellow cottage cheese. Their stools also are frequent, often occurring during or after each feeding. Breast milk stools usually are sweet-smelling as compared to the stools of formula-fed infants. Most infants, even those fed formula, have frequent, watery stools until they are six to eight weeks old. After that, the stools become firmer and less frequent. In fact, infants who are only fed breast milk beyond the first two months of life may have a stool only every three to five days. As long as the stool is soft, this is normal. Babies' stools are firmer once they start on solid food. Diarrhea is diagnosed by the frequency and looseness of the stools. The cause of the diarrhea is diagnosed by considering other symptoms. These may include the presence of blood or mucus in the stool, the duration of the diarrhea, weight loss, or other signs of illness. abs tests, such as blood tests and tests on the stool, may be performed. Special X-rays may be taken, as well. Occasionally, an instrument known as a colonoscope is used to view the interior of the intestine. This can help determine the cause of the diarrhea. he best way to prevent diarrhea in infants is for the caregiver to wash his or her hands well before preparing feedings and especially after using the toilet. Other important steps to take are as follows: • Discard any unused formula in the bottle after the infant is finished feeding. • Keep all items placed in the infant's mouth, such as pacifiers or bottle nipples, clean. • Keep other young children in the household who have diarrhea away from the infant. • Refrigerate formula that is mixed in larger quantities and discard formula that is not used in 24 hours. • Use clean water when preparing infant formula. • Wash bottles and nipples well in hot, soapy water. Diarrhea can sometimes cause temporary problems with digesting milk products, a condition known as lactose intolerance. Lactose intolerance is a condition in which a person cannot digest enough lactose, the sugar found in milk and milk products. The individual has a deficiency of an enzyme known as lactase. What is going on in the body? People with lactose intolerance don't have enough lactase to break down the lactose they eat or drink. They are unable to break the lactose down into glucose, which is the form of sugar used by body cells. When lactase is missing from the intestine, the condition is called lactase deficiency. There are three types of lactase deficiency: • congenital • acquired • temporary Congenital lactase deficiency is a rare disorder that appears to run in families. Infants begin to have symptoms of bloating and watery diarrhea shortly after starting on breast milk or formula feeding. Acquired lactase deficiency comes on gradually over time. It also seems to run in families. It affects certain ethnic groups more than others. The enzyme lactase is present in the baby's intestine from about the middle of pregnancy onward. The amount of lactase in the intestine begins to drop after weaning. By 5 to 7 years of age, a child's lactase activity is about 10% of what it was at birth. Temporary lactase deficiency sometimes follows gastroenteritis in children. When the child has diarrhea, his or her intestines are stripped of the enzyme lactase. The child then has trouble digesting lactose when he or she drinks milk products. When lactose is not digested, water is retained in the bowel. This results in bloating and watery diarrhea. Lactose that passes into the large intestine is fermented by bacteria. This produces carbon dioxide, hydrogen, and methane. This in turn leads to bloating, cramping, and flatulence, or passing gas. What are the causes and risks of the condition? Having no lactase causes lactose intolerance. In young children, temporary lactose intolerance may follow a stomach virus. About 75% of African Americans and Native Americans have lactose disorder. As many as 90% of Asian Americans are lactose-intolerant. Milk and milk products are the only natural sources of lactose. However, dry milk powder, whey, curds, and milk solids are common ingredients in processed foods. Some foods that often contain lactose include: • baked goods, including bread • baking mixes for pancakes, cookies, and cakes • candy • cereals • instant soups and drinks • lunch meat • margarine and salad dressings Common symptoms of lactose intolerance include: • abdominal bloating and cramps • diarrhea • gas • nausea Infants with congenital lactase deficiency may have some of the following symptoms: • dehydration • failure to thrive • irritability • vomiting • watery stools Diagnosis of lactose intolerance begins with a medical history and physical exam. The healthcare provider may ord
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Response from:
reshma menon, Registered Member on
Ammas.com
Source:
This information comes from my own knowledge.
coughing helps to expel naturally congested phlegm or inhaled dust frm the lungs.keep the child in a warm enviroment and offer a soothing linctus made from hot lemon juice,a tspn og honey and some glycerin. OR add 2-3 drops of eucalyptus,thyme,cypess or sandalwood oil to hot water.use as an inhalation for 10 minutes. Mucus-producing foods such as cows milk and sugar shud be avoided in this case.replace with soyabean milk or goats milk and introduce more fruits and vegetables into the diet. Common colds are cased by viruses and are highly contagious. treatment: ensure the child rests and drinks a lot of fluids,including hot water mixed with fresh lemon juice and a teaspoon of honey. Camomile,lemon balm,rosehip teas will help reduce various symptoms.as far as homeo medicines are concerned they are the best for any ailments with the stomach. Try Belladonna,pulsatilla,natrum mur,and euphrasia are available in drop forms in the homeo hospitals. give plenty of liquids esp if the child is vomitting.avoid dairy products...and large meals.. give the kid plenty of fluids,red rice(broken small) porridge(kanzhi)and lemon juice. The doctor wudnt want to give antibiotics which is definetly a wise decision.avoid antibiotics as far as possible.babies have a way of fighting infections.breast feed as frequently as possible. try homeopathy which is definetly good...
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