Child with Unexplained diarrhea for 4 weeks

[gamecock]

Our son is 11 and has had diarrhea for 4 weeks now.  He is a straight A student and very active in sports, but has not been able to attend school or play sports for the past 4 weeks.
We have had a endoscopy and colonoscopy done as well as a broad spectrum blood (including CBC with diff.) tests and urine and stool tests for this diarrhea and every single one has come back negative. ANA test negative.  Liver and Pancreas tests are negative or normal etc. No ecoli, bacterial or viral infection found.  The only result was that he was lactose intolerant which we've known since infancy.  Now they are saying for us to wait it out and see if it goes away.  *His symptoms are soft to watery stool.  It's urgent need, with cramping and lower abdominal pain.  He also has urgent needs to urinate which could be lower irritation of the bowel.
He has no fever, has not lost much weight. (4 pounds) His appetite has decreased, but is under control.
He also suffers with asthma which is under control with Advair and Zertec.  He has selective IGA difficiency.
  After a movement, he looks and feels totally lethargic.
We are thinking of trying probiotic or digesterol.  Do you have any ideas or do you know anything about these products.  We feel very helpless and will do anything for our sweet child!!
Thank you in advance.

[Hudson]

Have you considered giardia, an intestional parasite? This can be picked up through soil or water...even at a water park setting. Have you been out of the country to Canada or Mexico? It is easy to contract this type of thing internationally.

My son had this when he was about your son's age and it is very difficult to diagnose. His stool needs to be checked. But, even with a normal stool sample he can still have the parasite, as due to the life cycle of the organism it is difficult to detect. The treatment is a 2 week course of flagyl. After taking my son to several doctors as well as the ER, he was finally started on flagyl and better within 2-3 days.

Please post again and let us know how he is doing.

Hudson

[Lorenski]

A related discussion, HELP! was started.

[yoshi]

Did he test for Hector Pylori bacteria?May as well do that,it is a breath test in doctor's office.
Does his medication contain MG(Magnesium)?

[gamecock]

Thank you Doctor.  We are seeing a pediatric digestive doctor whom has ruled out Cilac.  He said,, he cant find anything.  But, still my child feels ill!!  I dont know what to do to help him feel better...PLEASE point us in a good direction.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There has clearly been a comprehensive evaluation done.  At this time, I would consider a referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist.  

Further testing can be done by sending the stool tests out for malabsorption.  I would also consider blood tests looking for celiac disese.  

A negative colonoscopy would rule out many of the major disorders - including inflammatory bowel disease.

A referral to an academic medical center should be considered for another opinion.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_