Patient's question:
My baby has been having diarrhea for the past few days. Since they have only been drinking breast milk, their body has generally been doing well. They haven't had a fever recently, but they have been experiencing bloating, frequently burping, and constantly crying. Because the baby is still so young, I don't want to give them medicine, but I am worried that they will continue to be unwell.What kind of help do I need: What should I do if a breastfed baby has diarrhea and bloating?
Doctor's answer:
Based on the symptoms you've described, your baby should be experiencing moderate nausea and vomiting. At this stage, the baby may have up to 10 bowel movements per day, with loose, watery stools that have a sour and foul odor, which could potentially lead to moderate fever.Severe nausea and vomiting symptoms include very frequent abdominal discomfort, with 8 to 15 bowel movements daily, watery stools that are abundant in volume and have a sour odor, loss of appetite, irritability, lethargy, and even dizziness or convulsions. Other signs may include bloody or mucus-streaked stools, sunken fontanelle, dry skin and lips. It is best to seek a proper medical examination at a hospital for a thorough check-up and early treatment to prevent the recurrence of severe nausea and vomiting. Medication prescribed by a doctor will be most appropriate.
When your baby has diarrhea, it's important to give them more thin porridge and avoid hard foods. When cooking the porridge, it's better to make it very soft. Once the diarrhea improves, you can start giving the baby some soft noodles with an appropriate amount of vegetables added. This will further aid digestion and provide the baby with essential nutrients.