Resolved question:
Should I be seek intervention for my 4-year old's diarrhea with blood? His other symptoms are mild.
4 year old boy, no previous history. On Saturday, fever of 38 - 39 all day, not much appetite, tired. Slept OK Saturday night. Sunday moderate diarrhea, lower fever (hovering around 38). Less tired (fluctuating: perked up, then tired again. Never listless or dropping off). Monday, noticed small amount of bloody mucus (< 1 teaspoon, 'redcurrent jelly') at the end of (still loose) stool. Took him to family Doctor (general practitioner, not specialist) who examined him (temperature, chest, palpating abdomen) and was unconcerned, sent him home. Kept him hydrated monday (no vomiting) and some return of appetite (dry toast only).
Today (Tuesday) first thing, stool firmer. Had some cereal with small amount of milk for breakfast. Some hours later, diarrhea returned - this time with more blood (still red) more generally (not just at the end, and not 'redcurrent jelly'). Abdomen still soft. Temperature 37.8.
Not in pain throughout.
Should we go back to family practitioner? Fear that with same tests (temperature, chest, abdomen) we'll have same results -> sent home again.
Advice / provisional differential diagnosis welcome.
Submitted:
4 Days
Category:
Gastroenterologist, Medical
Hi,
Thanks for posting your query at DoctorSpring.com. I am Dr. Kini and I am pleased to assist you.
Your son is probably having bacillary dysentry. Stool analysis has to be done.
You have to take him to his Pediatrician for further management.
Your son may need a course of antibiotics. For fever I would recommend tylenol and enough fluids. Give probiotics and zinc supplements for faster recovery.
As far as diet is concerned, give him banana, rice, apple sauce and toast.
I hope that answers your question. Please feel free to discuss further.
Regards,
Dr.R.K.