Patient's question:
A four-month-old baby has been suffering from diarrhea for half a month without improvement. What should I do? Since the 4th of this month, the baby has had diarrhea. Initially, they had 7-8 bowel movements a day, but after taking medicine, it reduced to 4-5 times a day, which has continued until now. The baby has taken traditional Chinese medicine for two days, Montmorillonite powder (5 packs), Cephalosporin (2 packs), and Infant Stomach Strengthening Powder (2 packs). Starting from the day before yesterday, they received two injections of Xiyanping (yesterday and the day before yesterday). The doctor also prescribed Amoxicillin, Xingspi Yang'er Granules, and probiotics. However, the baby only had two bowel movements yesterday and started having diarrhea again this afternoon, with three episodes in the afternoon alone (the last one was just a few drops). Last night, they had one bowel movement, but none this morning. What should the doctor do? The baby has been losing weight significantly due to the prolonged diarrhea, which is very distressing. Stool tests were normal, but the white blood cell count was 11.2, with a slightly lower neutrophil count than normal. Despite taking so many medications and receiving injections, the condition hasn’t improved. How much longer will this last? Yesterday afternoon, I attended a banquet and ate some warm dishes, which might have caused the afternoon diarrhea (breastfed). Additionally, I cooked a papaya, jujube, and peanut soup last night, including some longans, but I’m unsure if it’s safe for the baby to drink. I’m feeling overwhelmed. Please help, doctors. What should I do?Previous Treatment and Effects:
Initially, the baby took 5 packs of Montmorillonite powder, 2 packs of Cephalosporin, 2 packs of Infant Stomach Strengthening Powder, and 2 packs of probiotics. Since it didn’t improve, they started taking traditional Chinese medicine for two days, then went to the hospital for two injections of Xiyanping, while also beginning Amoxicillin, Xingspi Yang'er Granules, and probiotics.
Desired Help:
Can I give the soup from last night to the baby? Should I continue taking Montmorillonite powder? Could the dishes from yesterday afternoon have caused the three bowel movements this afternoon? How should I care for the baby?
Doctor's answer:
Your symptoms are due to gastroenteritis, so you should rest in bed. Stop consuming any food or medication that may harm your stomach. Due to excessive vomiting and nausea, drink as much water as possible under the circumstances to replenish lost fluids. A sugary salt solution is ideal (made by adding a very small amount of sugar and salt to boiled water). The above advice is for the question "A four-month-old baby has had diarrhea for half a month and still hasn't recovered—what should I do?" I hope it helps you. Wishing you good health!