Patient's question:
Recently, my child had multiple episodes of bloody and purulent diarrhea, but after treatment, it has now improved. However, I am worried about a recurrence (since it kept recurring before), so I want to give her probiotics and smectite for a period to protect her gastrointestinal mucosa (I have already given them for 2 weeks and plan to continue for 1 more month). Is this okay?[Additional: The content of my previous consultation with another doctor: My daughter had bloody and mucus-filled loose stools 3 months ago. After antibiotic treatment, it returned to normal, but it has recurred multiple times since then, with blood streaks each time. Stool tests showed white blood cells, red blood cells, and positive occult blood, but stool culture results were negative for Salmonella and Shigella. On July 22, during the fourth recurrence, she had bloody and purulent diarrhea, and the stool tests still showed white blood cells, red blood cells, and positive occult blood, with negative stool culture results for Salmonella and Shigella.
Doctor's answer:
If there are symptoms of spleen deficiency, you can eat some Chinese yam, Poria, and white lentil, which are mild and help invigorate the spleen and eliminate dampness. To prevent your child from having diarrhea again, you can manage it through dietary therapy, a balanced diet, and moderate exercise, rather than relying solely on medication. Probiotics can be taken for a period to regulate the gut flora. It is recommended that you have a check-up at a major hospital for a better assessment. Don't delay this any longer.