Understanding and Treating Encopresis in Children: A Guide for Parents
Regarding the issue of fecal incontinence? Hello Dr. Hsiao: Previously, I asked you about my younger brother who experiences some watery discharge from the anus before having a bowel movement, and you mentioned that this is likely referred to as "overflow incontinence."...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
You can first go to the hospital for an abdominal X-ray to check if there is a significant amount of fecal impaction in the intestines. If necessary, a glycerin enema may be administered to relieve constipation (this will help to expel any hard stool at the anal opening; otherwis...[Read More] Understanding and Treating Encopresis in Children: A Guide for Parents
Is This Diarrhea? Understanding Pediatric Bowel Changes After Illness
Is this considered diarrhea? Hello Dr. Hsiao: My younger brother had a cold last week and was taking medication for it. During that time, I noticed that before he had a bowel movement, there would be some mucus-like discharge with a stool color, which was in clumps. I thought thi...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
This condition is commonly referred to as "overflow diarrhea," which usually occurs when hard stools become impacted at the anal opening, allowing only small amounts of liquid stool to seep out. Therefore, this is not diarrhea; rather, it may indicate hard stools or eve...[Read More] Is This Diarrhea? Understanding Pediatric Bowel Changes After Illness
Understanding Constipation in 5-Month-Old Infants: Causes and Solutions
Five-month-old infant bowel movement issues? My baby is five and a half months old and is exclusively breastfed. She often strains very hard to have a bowel movement but is unable to do so, sometimes even vomiting up her milk from the effort. I've noticed that her anus is so...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: To address constipation issues, you can first try massaging the child's abdomen in a clockwise direction (around the navel as the center). For infants and young children, you may use a rectal thermometer or a finger to stimulate the anus. Ensure adequate hydration and...[Read More] Understanding Constipation in 5-Month-Old Infants: Causes and Solutions
Understanding Your 9-Month-Old's Stool Color Changes: When to Worry
The stool color of a baby over nine months old is grayish? My baby is over 9 months old. After switching from breast milk to formula last month, the stool color has become lighter. Recently, there have been occasional grayish stools mixed with light yellow. Is this an issue relat...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If the stool color has been grayish-white for an extended period, it is likely unrelated to formula milk. It is advisable to consult a pediatric gastroenterologist at a major hospital to determine if an abdominal ultrasound is necessary to rule out any issues with the biliary sys...[Read More] Understanding Your 9-Month-Old's Stool Color Changes: When to Worry
Concerns About a Toddler Swallowing Cherimoya Seeds: What to Do?
Child accidentally ingests seeds? Hello, doctor. I have a little boy who is about 2 years and 8 months old. He accidentally swallowed a seed from a cherimoya (which is not large) during a meal. The next day, his bowel movement was normal, and I did not check for the presence of t...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Statistically, children who accidentally ingest objects smaller than a coin, unless they are toxic or sharp, will typically pass them in their stool. The size of a cherimoya seed should pass naturally within two to three days, so there is no need for excessive concern.[Read More] Concerns About a Toddler Swallowing Cherimoya Seeds: What to Do?
Managing Persistent Diarrhea in Infants: A Guide for Parents
Pediatric diarrhea Hello, doctor... My baby has been having diarrhea since he caught a cold when he was 6 months old. Although he is now 7 months old and has recovered from the cold, he still has diarrhea. It has been over a month. The doctor prescribed an anti-diarrheal medicati...
Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
Since the diarrhea has persisted for a month, it is considered chronic diarrhea. Probiotics may be tried to improve the gut microbiota. However, it is still recommended to consult a pediatric gastroenterologist.[Read More] Managing Persistent Diarrhea in Infants: A Guide for Parents
Understanding Summer Fever in Children: Symptoms, Duration, and When to Seek Help
Regarding the issue of summer heat! Hello Dr. Hsiao: On the early morning of May 18th, my younger brother suddenly developed a fever of 38 degrees Celsius. We took him to the emergency department at Kaohsiung Chang Gung Memorial Hospital for blood tests, urinalysis, and stool tes...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. Summer heat is commonly observed during the hotter months, particularly in infants aged six months to three years. This may be due to the immature thermoregulation function in young children, causing their body temperature to rise with increasing environmental temperatures. Ty...[Read More] Understanding Summer Fever in Children: Symptoms, Duration, and When to Seek Help
Understanding Your Two-Month-Old's Stool Patterns: What’s Normal?
The stool patterns of a two-month-old baby? Hello doctor, my baby is almost three months old. He is primarily breastfed and only wakes up at night to have formula milk. His bowel movements are sometimes three to four times a day, and sometimes just once. They are usually loose an...
Dr. He Shenglong Reply:
Hello: The baby is primarily breastfed and has formula milk at night. Currently, the baby has bowel movements three to four times a day, which are pasty and sometimes watery; the frequency and consistency are considered normal. The bile secreted by the liver mixes with the stool,...[Read More] Understanding Your Two-Month-Old's Stool Patterns: What’s Normal?
Understanding Soft Stools in Children: Causes and Concerns
Loose stools in children? Hello Doctor: My child was born in October 2004, male. He has daily bowel movements, sometimes once and sometimes twice. He often complains of stomach pain before having a bowel movement. For the past few days, his stools have been loose. He is 142 cm ta...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
An increase in the frequency of bowel movements and an increase in the water content of stools is defined as diarrhea. Acute diarrhea refers to diarrhea symptoms lasting less than two weeks, while chronic diarrhea is defined as diarrhea lasting more than two weeks. The vast major...[Read More] Understanding Soft Stools in Children: Causes and Concerns
Addressing Dietary Concerns for a 3-Year-Old: Tips for Healthy Eating Habits
Dietary Issues in 3-Year-Olds Hello Doctor: My daughter is 3 years and 4 months old and has not yet started preschool. She is currently being cared for by a nanny, but her appetite has not increased; in fact, it has decreased. She used to eat a full bowl of rice, but now she only...
Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
To help young children develop good eating habits, there are two basic principles: 1. Avoid snacking, and 2. Maintain regular bowel habits. According to the description, the sister's irregular bowel movements affect her appetite. In addition to the intake of dietary fiber fr...[Read More] Addressing Dietary Concerns for a 3-Year-Old: Tips for Healthy Eating Habits
Understanding Infant Sleep Issues: Colic and Constipation Concerns
Baby Sleep Doctor: My younger sister is one year and one month old. She experiences colicky pain at night when she sleeps. We previously changed her formula, and I'm not sure if this is related. Will this condition improve as she gets older? Sometimes her stools are very har...
Dr. Zhang Yingwen Reply:
If your sister has constipation issues, it is recommended to provide more water or glucose water. Additionally, abdominal massage (clockwise massage around the navel) or slight anal stimulation can be performed. These methods can help facilitate bowel movements. Difficulty in pas...[Read More] Understanding Infant Sleep Issues: Colic and Constipation Concerns
Understanding White Stool Clumps in Infants and Yam Consumption for Toddlers
White stool with yam? Hello Dr. Hsiao, I would like to ask: 1. My sister, who is one month old, is primarily breastfed, but since she hasn't been getting enough, we have been supplementing with Nestlé formula. Since we started the formula, her stool has been yellow, which ...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. It is normal for undigested milk to form white curds in the stool; this is not a sign of indigestion. 2. As long as yam is cooked, it is safe for consumption and will not cause allergies, making it suitable for young children. However, it is considered a staple food, so if c...[Read More] Understanding White Stool Clumps in Infants and Yam Consumption for Toddlers
Understanding Your Baby's Bowel Movements and Formula Feeding Concerns
Baby bowel movements Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my baby who is currently 8 and a half months old. She was exclusively breastfed until 6 months, after which she started having formula milk at night and breast milk during the day. Her bowel movements were 1 to 2 times...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
1. An increase in the frequency and water content of stools indicates diarrhea. There are many potential causes, such as viral gastroenteritis or the introduction of new dairy products that the baby may not be able to tolerate. If you suspect that the new dairy product is causing...[Read More] Understanding Your Baby's Bowel Movements and Formula Feeding Concerns
Assessing Nutritional Intake and Digestive Issues in Preterm Infants
Nutritional intake量 Hello, My daughter was born at 35 weeks with a birth weight of 1980g. Her corrected age is now 10 months. She has started supplementary foods, and her total daily milk intake is approximately 300cc. She receives solid foods three times a day (for example, up...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Born at 35 weeks gestation with a birth weight of only 1980g, this infant meets the definition of "intrauterine growth restriction." At a corrected age of 10 months, the height and weight can reach the 15th percentile, indicating that growth may be catching up to that o...[Read More] Assessing Nutritional Intake and Digestive Issues in Preterm Infants
Understanding Your Baby's Soft Stools: Is It Normal?
Baby's stool Hello, doctor. Sorry to bother you. My baby is now one year old and has recently switched from formula. Currently, the stool is not watery but soft and mushy. The issue is that my baby is having bowel movements about two to three times a day, and each time it&#x...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
Formula intolerance typically occurs within three days of switching, presenting as rashes or watery diarrhea. If the stool is soft and similar in consistency to previous bowel movements, it should not be a concern. By the age of one, a child can consume a variety of complementary...[Read More] Understanding Your Baby's Soft Stools: Is It Normal?
Do Newborns Need Water? Guidelines for Parents on Hydration
Do newborns need supplemental hydration? Dear Doctor, my baby has been consuming formula milk along with breast milk and is about to turn one month old. I've noticed that my baby sometimes sticks out their tongue after eating and resting for a while. When my baby was two wee...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
In principle, the primary source of nutrition for newborns and young infants is milk, which contains a significant amount of water. If they urinate 6-8 times a day and the urine is light in color and not concentrated, it indicates that they are adequately hydrated and do not need...[Read More] Do Newborns Need Water? Guidelines for Parents on Hydration
Is Your Baby's Stool Normal After Gastroenteritis? Understanding Baby's Digestive Health
Is the baby experiencing diarrhea? Hello, Dr. Hsiao: My baby is now just eight months old. Before having gastroenteritis, his stools were firm and shaped like logs, occasionally passing pellet-like stools. However, during the gastroenteritis, he had watery stools with a sour smel...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
If the stool has a higher water content than normal, it is considered diarrhea. Moreover, if your baby has watery and slightly acidic stools the day after consuming regular formula, it indicates that the gastroenteritis has not fully resolved. It may be insufficient to dilute hal...[Read More] Is Your Baby's Stool Normal After Gastroenteritis? Understanding Baby's Digestive Health
Understanding Chronic Gastric Ulcers in Young Children: A Case Study
Chronic gastric ulcer Hello Dr. Fei, my child is 2 years and 10 months old. On October 4th, he was hospitalized due to edema in the limbs and was found to have low albumin levels. After an ultrasound examination, both the kidneys and liver were normal. After receiving six high-pr...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Hello: Based on your description, the low albumin and elevated eosinophils may indicate conditions other than parasites, such as eosinophilic gastroenteritis. Patients with eosinophilic gastroenteritis can also be tested for IgE and allergens. It is advisable to avoid foods that ...[Read More] Understanding Chronic Gastric Ulcers in Young Children: A Case Study
Understanding Flat Stools in Children: Signs and When to Worry
The stool is flat? Doctor, I apologize for bothering you again. I would like to ask if my flat stools indicate a gastrointestinal disease. Sometimes they are watery but still have shape; it's not diarrhea, but I almost have a bowel movement every day, although there are time...
Dr. Xiao Kaiwen Reply:
The standard screening for colorectal cancer involves fecal occult blood testing. If abnormalities are detected, a more invasive colonoscopy can be performed to confirm the diagnosis. You can consult the pediatric gastroenterology department at a major hospital for further evalua...[Read More] Understanding Flat Stools in Children: Signs and When to Worry
Understanding Blood in Stool: What Parents Should Know
Blood in the stool in children? Dear Doctor, my child is currently 4 years old and has had bright red blood in his stool for two consecutive days. The stool has been formed and brown in color, without any black coloration. He has a bowel movement at least once every two days, las...
Dr. Pei Rensheng Reply:
Dear Klein, Hello, the most common cause of blood in the stool in a 4-year-old child is constipation combined with anal fissures. Other possible causes include bacterial enteritis, diverticulitis, polyps, coagulopathy, and other gastrointestinal tumors. The physician will perfor...[Read More] Understanding Blood in Stool: What Parents Should Know