persistent diarrhoea in siblings aged 3 and 6

[thegreylady]

My two grandsons have had runny poo [their words] for about 2 weeks now.They are otherwise well - no vomiting but occasional tummy ache.They are not incontinent with it and manage the school day without problems-maybe one toilet visit.
The doc has asked dd for stool samples from them but I wondered if anyone had any idea what might be causing it.
TIA

[fantagrape]

It could be a parasitic infection called giardiasis.

I had it for weeks last summer, as did the rest of the family. It's treated with an antibiotic.

Very contagious. I even got a visit from environmental health trying to trace where I had got it from (hadn't visited any third world countries)

[fantagrape]

Ps. If they are have it, the school should be informed.

[bluebean]

Or it could be a reaction to something in their diet? DD1 (4) had "runny poo" for weeks until I noticed the multivitamin she was taking could cause a laxative effect. Swapped brands and she's fine.

[narmada]

i was going to mention giardiasis too. also had it in summer.

[littleducks]

Yes we had giardiasis.

Really hard to shift.

[narmada]

quick course of metronidazole shifted it for us. Did it not work for you lityleducks :(

[thegreylady]

Thanks that's a new one on me. They haven't been abroad at all.- No doubt doc will check for giardasis . Mum and dad are both fine.

[toomuch2young]

Could be the giardia protozoa. Likely gastroenteritis or another viral cause though,, but 2 weeks and no real other symptoms is unusual.
Also campylobacter is a bacteria that causes persistant diarrhoea.
Any dogs in family with upset tums?
A stool sample should provide answers, keep a close eye on their hydration, hope they get well soon.

[thegreylady]

No dogs but two cats however cats are well and rarely come into the house.The boys are lively and active,sleeping and eating as usual.Occasionally one of them will say his tummy hurts but it seems to pass quickly and is releived by pooing.
Last night the younger one said he hadnt eaten much tea but dd told him to tell me what he had eaten;
"Broccoli,salmon,wedges and an apple-I couldnt eat my carrots though..."
It just seems a bit odd but off to doc tomorrow.I would have thought giardiasis would have more symptoms.