To think unexplainable diarrhoea in a baby is a red flag

[WhoatemyLindtbunny]

At my whits end 9 month old has had explosive, foul smelling, wet poos with indigested food in since Sunday. He’s not unwell whatsoever apart from a now horrifically sore bum and back - they’ve been spraying up his back!!! This has come on completely suddenly and is not normal for him.

He’s not eaten anything different but HV thought it could be antibiotics in my milk (I’ve been on Amoxycillin since Sat morning - but he only had one boob feed between me starting them and the 💩 starting) so we’ve been using formula since Tues but it’s continued.

Anyway phoned GP, no advice but to monitor it as no red flags and can give us an appointment but not until 30th. Whaaaattt?? Not even any advice? So a baby with explosive runs is completely normal?!

I can’t cope, he’s so mobile and strong it’s a nightmare to change and we just end up with 💩 everywhere! Can’t even go out.

Your GP must have on the day emergency appointments. Why can’t you use one of those? Or see a nurse?

It’s quite common to pick up bugs and they normally take 7-10 days to shift or it could be teething, one of mine used to get awful diarrhoea and nappy rash with each tooth. They can’t really give any medicine so just make sure he’s hydrated and eating bland food.

In a couple of weeks they’ll take it more seriously and do a stool sample if it’s still happening.

You can phone back though they told you to monitor which you did and you are unhappy about it just ring them for an emrgency appointment because clearly explosive poos isn't right.

If you usually breast feed and have switched to formula that might be aggravating the situation. Is your course of antibiotics finished? If so I would go back to BF.

There are apparently approximately 66% increases in cases of norovirus in our area according to my Dr and advice is no imodium, no antibiotics as it is viral and to let it work itself out of their system.

Hardwork though with a toddler!! Hope he is better soon.

I had to have antibiotics for a nipple infection and the doctor said it would likely upset DSs tummy, it wasn't too bad actually but it definitely can have an impact. SIL switched formula with DN overnight, just swapped no gradual change and she had horrendous diarrhea and vomiting that DIL put down to the new formula (clearly wasn't) and HV told her she should've changed gradually not suddenly. He might have a bug, it might be the antibiotics, and the sudden change to formula won't be helping in to of either of those.

*diarrhoea

He might have a bug, it might be the antibiotics, and the sudden change to formula won't be helping in to of either of those

Agree with this.Go back to breastfeeding and see how the weekend goes. Emergency appointment monday if no change and obviously call out of hours if you are concerned or he is no taking enough fluids.Boil and cool any water you give. Hope he recovers soon.

Switching to formula would definitely aggressively aggravate an already sick stomach.

I don’t think they’re trying to say it’s normal, I think it’s just that most cases of diarrhoea get better on their own and there’s not a lot the GP can do at this stage if he’s not showing any red flags (fever, dehydration, blood in the diarrhoea etc.).

As PP says it could be due to the antibiotic (even one ‘dose’ can have an effect) or the switch to formula or it could be a bug. There is no magic fix for any of these unfortunately but I hope for both your sakes it eases off asap.

I think explosive diarrhea is fairly normal in babies actually!

It could be teeth or something viral or the formula or the antibiotics or some combination.

The key is whether it coexists with other symptoms, but you say he is fine otherwise? I think the Dr is right....watch and see what happens. Chances are it will stop just like it started.

If any other symptoms start or he seems unwell then make an emergency appointment.

Try and keep nappies off as much as possible to get air to his sore bottom. Put cream on his bottom and back.

Dont give him water but give him oral rehydration products if you see he cannot keep anything down. I also did this in between feeds. The Chemist can help you there. The be all and end all is making sure he is hydrated. I also gave her probiotic with a syringe to replenish her gut lining. If this goes on, go straight to A&E if your doctor wont see him. In a child under a year old, they prefer you do that than he ends up severely ill.

Not without a reason /explaination though nuffsaidsam which the op is looking for.

Poor you, i really feel your pain!! In all honesty it’s really not that much of a red flag in a child who is otherwise well and eating and drinking.
Part of the reason could be down to the antibiotics in the BF upsetting the balance of the normal heathy usual bacteria in your LO gut. These healthy bacteria are part of what helps keep our poo normal antibiotics can disrupt the balance and cause diarrhoea.
It could also be teething (mine had the most revolting explosive nappies around cutting teeth time and they stank to high heaven) they were also incredibly loose and mucous like.
Changing to formula has also likely had an effect on LOs digestion so it’s really difficult to be certain at the moment.
it could be also have another cause, if it persists beyond 7-10 days it might be worth discussing with GP whether a stool sample to rule out any infectious cause of the diarrhoea would be appropriate.
Really hope things improve for you soon. I found using bepanthen cream really help save the sore bottoms here.
Big hug OP

But the reason is often 'something viral' or 'teeth', quite vague. They won't normally take them in and diagnose them with something specific. The advice is just wait and see (as long as no other symptoms).

Just checking, your baby's isn't black or sticky is it? That could suggest blood and would need urgent attention. Either way, I would ring back and request an emergency appointment, babies can go downhill fast with dehydration.

Baby's poo that should say.