what to do for loose motion at home - #20147
I am really worried because my kid has been having loose motions for the past couple of days. He just turned 5 and last night he woke up crying about belly aches, and it scared me. He's not dehydrated or anything (thankfully), but trying to figure out what to do for loose motion at home is stressing me out! I’ve tried giving him some rice water, and we've been avoiding any dairy but he just doesn’t seem to want to eat anything. Is there anything else I can do for loose motion at home that could help settle his tummy? I did hear about some home remedies like bananas or applesauce but am unsure if they're safe at his age. Plus, I read somewhere that some teas can help. Would it be too much for him? I mean, I just want to make sure it's not something serious but also don’t want to run to the doctor unless it’s really necessary. Are there any warning signs I should be looking out for as well? Any advice on what to do for loose motion at home would really be appreciated before this gets worse!
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Doctors' responses
For your child’s loose motions, a few home treatments can be safe and beneficial while ensuring he stays hydrated. Since he’s not dehydrated, that’s a great sign, but maintaining fluid intake is crucial. Start with offering him small, frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration solution (ORS) to replace lost fluids and electrolytes. You might try the “BRAT” diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These foods are bland and can sometimes help firm up stools. Bananas and applesauce are generally safe for a 5-year-old and are well tolerated. Avoid sugary or high-fat foods, as they can worsen diarrhea. If he doesn’t feel like eating, don’t worry as much about the solids but focus on hydration. Regarding teas, fennel or chamomile tea is mild and can soothe an upset stomach, but keep it non-caffeinated and only a little, as children can be sensitive to herbal remedies. Keep an eye out for signs that require urgent medical attention, like high fever, blood in stools, or if he shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth, lethargy, no tears when crying). If his symptoms persist beyond a few days, or worsen (especially with severe abdominal pain), it’s time to seek medical consultation, as it could be indicative of an underlying condition that needs professional evaluation. Always trust your instincts as a parent when it comes to the severity of symptoms and whether he needs to be seen in person.
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