he has had diarreah 9 times totally about 30 days of illness..his doctor has tested for parasites by testing his stool..and also had blood work...i know something isnt right...but i dont know what to ask the doctor to test for...he is an honor roll student...has many friends and is over all a happy well adjusted kid..(therefore ruling out emotional issues) i dont really know what to do...but he looks yellow/grey in color...and the doctor says its just a "growing" year for him...i feel helpless...what can i do..
2007-04-18 16:02:40 · 7 answers · asked by mldevlin2003 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
other than the loose stools ..he is normal
2007-04-18 16:14:39 · update #1
Has he seen a gastroenterologist or just his family doctor? I think I'd take my child to a gastroenterologist for a better answer. Diarrhea isn't a normal symptom of growth. He could have IBS, but there are also other problems that can show up as diarrhea. A good gastroenterologist can evaluate him and decide which tests or treatments he needs.
2007-04-18 16:19:39 · answer #1 · answered by GI tech 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You know, this has happened to my 13 year old son and 14 year old daughter all school year this year. The school system is mad at us for them being absent so much, and we don't have insurance and I can't afford to go to the doctor ever single time they have diarrhea. We have yet to figure it out. The school said that it has happened to a lot of kids this year, and that there are a lot of viruses going around. I can't figure it out either, but I'm glad to know it's not just me. I will let you know if the doctors have any epiphanies, though. :)
2007-04-18 16:16:50 · answer #2 · answered by blondietatt04 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ask for a referral to a specialist i.e., gastroenterologist, and/or a second opinion by a like specialist or internist, find out what type of Pediatrician is treating your son, is he a general practitioner or internist, it makes a difference. Get ready to do a lot of your own research and don't stop asking for answers! This is a helpful website you can get more information from; http://www.webmd.com/
There are also other websites with Medical Journals on new diseases or you can also do a search for Center for Infectious Diseases.
Hope this helps you a bit.
2007-04-18 16:25:38 · answer #3 · answered by concerned 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to Dr. khem Shahani, formerly of the University of Nebraska, there are 11 friendly bacteria which are suppused to live in the digestive tract. Whenever we take an antibiotic they are killed. That can cause all kinds of problems. Some of those bacteria fight viruses and some fight other bad bacteria. Some make vitamins like B12 and K. Maybe your son doesn't have these friendly bacteria.
2007-04-18 16:15:20 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The best thing you could ask for is his platelet count (to see how normal his blood count is - anemia is a good indicator that something is wrong), his white blood cell count, a check of his liver functions, a test for his immune system (if he keeps getting sick, this might mean that he has an infection of his ability to fight off diseases) and to check for bacteria in his intestinal track. One of my coworkers was very sick lately with diarrhea because an antibiotic she was on for a toothache killed all of the "good" bacteria in her intestines and the "bad" bacteria multiplied, making her very sick, almost to the point of hospitalization. Her doctor never thought to check for a bacterial infection, so it was a total surprise for her.
One thing to help alleviate his diarrhea is to keep him well hydrated - stay away from soda and sports drinks. Water helps as does Propel fitness water. I know this personally as I've been living with Crohn's Disease. I also advise a lower fiber diet to see if that helps. I wish you the best of luck with your concerns!
2007-04-18 16:30:32 · answer #5 · answered by ajaynac 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's very possible that this is irritable bowel syndrome. there is not a medical test to diagnose this problem, it's diagnosed by symptoms.
I've enclosed a website where you can read about this condition and also ways to treat it. Ask your doctor about this condition and see what he says.
2007-04-18 16:10:04 · answer #6 · answered by Cherokee Billie 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
What do his tonsils look like? Swollen a lot?
2007-04-18 16:10:47 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋