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loose motion medicine for 10 year old
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Pediatric Medicine
Question #14977
45 days ago
131

loose motion medicine for 10 year old - #14977

Hriday

I am really worried about my 10-year-old who has been having some serious issues with loose motion. This started a couple days ago after she ate something I think was a little off, maybe at a birthday party. At first, I thought it would just pass, you know how kids can be, but then it got worse. She’s been running to the bathroom like every 20 minutes or so! It’s super stressful. We took her to the doc, and they said it could be a viral thing, but they didn’t give us any loose motion medicine for 10-year-old. Instead, they just told us to keep her hydrated, which we’ve been trying, but she’s a bit nauseous and doesn’t wanna drink much water. I tried giving her some clear soup, but almost no luck there. Is there really no loose motion medicine for 10-year-old kids that we can safely give her? I found some over-the-counter stuff at the pharmacy, but now I’m second-guessing myself. Are those safe for her age? What are the best things to do while waiting for this to get better? Should I worry more if she continues with it much longer or what? It all feels so confusing. Any advice would really be appreciated!

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Doctors’ responses

For a 10-year-old experiencing loose motions, particularly if it’s suspected to be related to a viral infection or food issue, the primary focus should indeed be rehydration. Over-the-counter antidiarrheal medications like loperamide (Imodium) are typically not recommended for young children, especially if there’s a risk of a bacterial or viral cause, as slowing down the gut can sometimes lead to complications. Instead, ensuring she’s getting enough fluid is crucial. Oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are more effective than plain water since they contain the right balance of salts and sugars to help maintain hydration and replenish electrolytes lost during episodes of diarrhea. Offering small sips every few minutes, rather than larger amounts all at once, can make it more palatable if she’s feeling nauseous. If she refuses ORS, options like diluted sports drinks or fruit juices (without added sugar) can serve as alternatives, but they don’t quite match ORS in effectiveness. Keep encouraging liquid intake. In terms of diet, let her return to a normal diet gradually; bland foods like rice, bananas, applesauce, and toast can be easier on the stomach as she recovers. If her symptoms continue for more than 48-72 hours, or if she shows signs of dehydration (including dry mouth, lack of tears, or reduced urine output), a follow-up with her healthcare provider is warranted. Additionally, if she has a high fever, severe abdominal pain, or blood in her stools, these are red flags for more serious conditions, and immediate medical attention is necessary. While this can be a worrying situation, with careful monitoring and supportive care, most acute diarrhea cases resolve without the need for medication. If in doubt, always consult her healthcare provider before administering any new medication, even if it’s over-the-counter.

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