6 year old constantly going to the loo

[Kimmie30]

My 6 year old son goes for a poo 4+ times a day and is usually quite soft or runny. He has been like this for so long. Is it normal?

No, it's not normal but if it's been going on for ages then it could be normal for him. Does he get alot of tummy ache? Any history of celiac disease in your family? Milk allergies or chrones disease?

kimmie30 - does he have any other symptoms? eg bloating, nausea, is he lethargic or losing weight? frequent pooing of soft "stools" (how silly is that word to describe poo) for a fair while can be an indicator of coeliac disease, along with the other symptoms. I know, Ive got it. I would make a GP appointment if I were you.

If you think it could be coeliacs, the most important thing is not to stop feeding him any of his usual stuff because if you have a test it will come back negative if no gluten is eaten. Both my daughters have coeliacs, and were for the most part completely sypmtomless around the time of diagnosis. The only reason it was detected was because my older daughter is diabetic and she is routinely tested. Initially it is only a blood test so it is worth giving it a go.

Thank you peeps. Will make him a doctors appointment. Can someone tell me the symptoms of coeliac disease and how you have come across it with your children. Dillon is quite skinny but he has always been skinny and he has tons on energy. When he was a baby is could'nt keep milk down and had an imature reflux system. He was a sicky baby but not a sicky child :-)

IIRC, the symptoms of coeliac can vary but they are normally diarrhoea, the wheat irritates the villi in the intestines and cause damage over time which is why it's best to get this checked. It does normally run in families.

Could he possibly have a lactose intolerance? Can you keep a food diary? Write down what he's been eating, drinking, times and effects?

I too was going to suggest lactose intolerance - that is the sugar that is in milk, cream, cheese etc

Going to see your gp is definately the best thing to do.

I have booked an appointment for Friday. Fingers crossed it will get sorted. Feel really worried about him. Thanks so much of all your advice :-)

I hope you get something sorted soon. He could do with referring to a paediatrician to be honest.

Let us know how you get on.

Hey peeps. My son had his doctors app todsy and is being referred to a paediatrician...hopefully we will now more then. Possibiltity of coeliac disease or lastose intolarent. Feel worried for him. Thanks for all the advice

I hope the referral appointment arrives soon kimmie