I've been know to jump the gun and call the doctor too soon and end up in the doctor's office 2 or 3 times for something simple. my 8 month old son is congested, coughing, and is giving the most disgusting diapers.
His bowel movements look like they are mostly water (literally). They have a very distinct odor. It's not amonia but it's a rather sick smell.
Ideas of what it could be? He doesn't have a fever and his behavior isn't indicating a problem (other than he can't sleep because of his stuffy nose). Should I call the doctor?
2007-01-04 03:21:59 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Newborn & Baby
He definitely has diarrhea, so he needs pedialyte and the BRAT diet(bananas, rice, apples, toast)for a few days. If he doesn't have a temperature, it means that his body is just trying to get rid of a bug, not fight an infection. But, if his diarrhea doesn't improve or his cold gets worse by tomorrow, I would call the doctor. A head cold isn't something that can be fixed with antibiotics or anything, but diarrhea needs to be watched for dehydration. Of course, you can call the doctor anytime you want and speak to his nurse if your instincts are telling you something is really wrong, but it sounds like he has a bug.
2007-01-04 07:21:09 · answer #1 · answered by emrobs 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have two sons--34 months and 18 months--and with my first son, I did the same thing. He'd sneeze and I'd call. (Doctors and nurses put the fear of God into you about RSV.) With my second son, we usually just waited it out a day or so unless we knew in our gut that it was something serious. *My* advice (and please keep in mind I'm the mom of two toddlers--not a medical professional, lol) is to keep a VERY close eye on your baby's temperature. If it gets much above 102, you should call his pediatrician. Also, how is he eating? Is he tugging at his ears and screaming? Is he acting abnormal (other than slightly fussy because he's not feeling well) in any way? Is he still wetting through 6 or more diapers every day (this one may be hard as you said he's having diarrhea)? Sounds to me like some type of stomach virus, which would definitely cause foul smelling diarrhea. If he stops eating completely and his diarrhea continues for more than a few days or he spikes a fever, definitely take him to the doctor. Otherwise, I'd just use some baby Vaporub on his chest, put a prop under his crib mattress, and use a cool mist humidifier to help him breathe while he's sleeping.
2007-01-04 12:02:51 · answer #2 · answered by brevejunkie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I am not one to go to the doctor, as I have a nurse for a mom and am myself fairly knowledgeable about medical issues, but I would in this case take him to the doctor...Make sure you keep him very hydrated, as diarrhea really dehydrates kids, and don't make him eat if he's not hungry. But I would take him to the doctor, it sounds like he has a nasty little virus.
2007-01-04 11:27:39 · answer #3 · answered by brandi91082 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
my son is only 8 weeks but with the same symptoms plus chest retractions and has RSV. They said in older babies, toddlers and children it mostly just shows as a cold
2007-01-04 11:26:24 · answer #4 · answered by eb114 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He sounds sick. Obvisouly. Take him to the doctor becuase watery stools can be dangerous.
2007-01-04 11:24:49 · answer #5 · answered by LP's Mommy, RN 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
give him lots of pedialite and if it doesn't get better soon I would call the doctor.. He could get dehydrated
2007-01-04 11:27:49 · answer #6 · answered by Taz 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
there is nothing wrong with calling the dr. fi your ever unsure and it makes you feel better then they just have to deal with it.....thats what they are there for and its there job, do what makes you feel better and your son
2007-01-04 11:26:56 · answer #7 · answered by cnwhab4 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋