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Infants with Diarrhea

Expert Q&A

By Vincent Iannelli, M.D., About.com

Updated: January 16, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

Q. I baby sit for my 4 month old niece. For the past 2 weeks she has had diarrhea. After the first week I told my sister-in-law that she needed to take her to the doctor, which she did. The doc said she was very hydrated and to just keep an eye out for signs of dehydration. The baby still has no signs of dehydration, but her stools have become more watery and contain a lot of mucus, which is what I'm concerned about. She is also more fussy lately. Since I have 2 children of my own, I know this is not normal and I feel that another trip to the doctor may be needed. Denise, Sandy Ridge, NC

A. Diarrhea from a simple stomach virus can normally last a good two weeks, but since it is lasting longer than that and getting worse, a recheck by her doctor would be a good idea.

An infection as a cause for the diarrhea is still a possibility, especially if anyone else is sick with the same symptoms.

If no one else is sick, it is also possible that the diarrhea is being caused by an intolerance to something she is eating, or if she is breastfeeding, something that mom is eating.

Have you started solid foods already?

Does she drink juice?

Do you have any reptiles in the house, like a turtle, which can be a source for Salmonella infections.

If she is drinking formula, persistent diarrhea could be a sign of a formula intolerance or allergy, even if she had been doing well on the same formula for a while.

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