Questions in the Maternal and Child Health Forum have been answered by doctors from Henry Ford Health System.

Question Title: chronic diarrhea in 2 yr. old

Forum: The Maternal and Child Health Forum
Topic: Childhood Disease


My son had bacterial meningitis at 3.5 months. The original source of infection was the ears and in the days preceding diagnosis of the meningitis, he also had rust-colored bowel movements (he was still on formula only at this age). When he received the vancomycin and ceftriaxone intraveneously, he would have constant bowel movements, every few minutes or so, and he seemed to be in pain. He weighed 18 pounds at three months, but since he was sick, he has never gained weight well and he also loses weight. He has weeks of chronic diarrhea, up to 30 times a day and on average during regular times has 4-6 b.m.'s a day. He is a terrible eater and complains of being tired but otherwise seems to be adjusting well. His only other complications were cerebellum stroke and left cochlear damage. He also vomits spontaneously occasionally. He has been out of therapy for almost a year and he is walking and talking, albeit not clearly. Is this typical or do I need to pursue this? He has already been through so much. Thank you

Dear Kelly :

Thank you

There is minimal ,if any, relationship between his stools ,their frequency and the episode of meningitis he had when he was 3.5 months old . Any change in frequency of stools warrants a follow up and discussion of all possible causes with his pediatrician or even a gastroenterologist who will evaluate his growth parameters , his bowel motility and function and assess whether they are normal or not.This may well be the reason for him not gaining weight as expected .
In regards to the vancomycin and ceftriaxone , their side effects do include loose bowel movements . Spontaneous vomiting maybe due to the cochlear damage or the cerebellar stroke, it can also be caused by gastroesophageal reflux or inflammatory bowel disease .

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only.

Keywords : Chronic diarrhea*( gastroenterology), side effects of antibiotics*( pharmacology).

 

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