Patient's question:
I had diarrhea for 3 consecutive days in August, with more than 5 episodes per day. My stool test results were normal. Why? Also, can a stool test detect rotavirus infection?First question supplement: The stool was yellow and watery, with a sour odor!
Doctor's answer:
Hello, acute watery diarrhea is often caused by rotavirus or toxigenic bacterial infection. In children, especially infants under two years old, diarrhea occurring in autumn and winter is more likely to be rotavirus enteritis, while in summer, it is more likely to be enteritis caused by toxigenic Escherichia coli. Clinically, it is important to differentiate it from bacterial dysentery, cholera, and other intestinal infectious diseases. If the child does not show obvious dehydration, home treatment can be administered. The principles are as follows:1. Give the child more oral fluids immediately at the onset of diarrhea to prevent dehydration. It is recommended to use:
① Salted rice water solution: Preparation method: 500ml of rice water (1 jar of 1 jin wine bottle) + 1.75g of fine salt (half of one beer lid). Take it orally at any time, giving as much as the child can drink.
② Sugar saline solution: Preparation method: 500ml of boiled water + 10g of sucrose (2 small spoons) + 1.75g of fine salt. Take it orally at any time.
2. Provide the child with enough food to prevent malnutrition.
3. Closely monitor the condition. If the child’s clinical symptoms do not improve within three days of treatment or if any of the following symptoms appear, the child should be taken to the hospital for medical attention:
① Increased frequency and amount of diarrhea
② Frequent vomiting
③ Significant thirst
④ Inability to eat normally
⑤ Fever
⑥ Bloody stools