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Isomil^® 2 Advance^® Nutrition Education Series (Part 2 of 4)
Diarrhoea – Common Concerns

What over the counter medication can I give my baby when he has diarrhoea? How do I reduce my child's discomfort during diarrhoea?
– Wai Yoke, mother of 2-year-old child

Dear Wai Yoke,

Unfortunately, there is no medication to safely and effectively stop diarrhoea. As diarrhoea is caused by an intestinal infection, it may sometimes take 2 to 4 days before recovery.

Diarrhoea causes loss of fluid and electrolytes, commonly referred to as salts (e.g. sodium and potassium). In severe cases, this may result in dehydration. Dehydration, if untreated, can cause severe illness and even death. So, the most effective over-the-counter product you can buy when your baby has diarrhoea is an Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) as it is the first line of treatment to keep your child hydrated. Give small amounts frequently as your child may vomit if you give too much at one go. ORS may be served cold and children usually retain fluids better this way. Do not give plain water as this will lead to prolonging the loose stools.

If your baby is breast-fed, continue to breast feed him. Sometimes, if the diarrhoea lasts for more than a few days, some children may develop lactose intolerance and are unable to digest cow's milk. You can then switch your son's regular milk formula to a soy-based formula which is naturally lactose-free. Continue on the soy-based formula for about 2 days till the stools are more pasty in consistency before switching back to his regular formula.

Some people recommend stopping or diluting cow’s milk-based formula during an episode of diarrhoea. However, this practice will compromise baby's nourishment. A full strength non-lactose soy formula, provided along with the ORS, can provide energy and nutrients to help your child stay well nourished during this period and recover from the infection faster.
– Dr Ong Eng Keow

This educational message is the second of our 4-part Nutrition Education Series on "Diarrhoea – Common Concerns" featuring questions sent to Abbott Nutrition's Family website and answered by paediatric nutrition experts.

Our nutrition expert for the week
Dr. Ong Eng Keow,
M.B.B.S (Singapore), M. Med
(Paediatrics), FAMS
Singapore Baby and Child Clinic

This feature provides the opinions of specialists and readers should consult their own doctors if they should have further enquiries.
	Singapore mother's No.1 choice* Made with high quality soy protein Supports growth of babies like cow's milk-based formulas do Naturally free of lactose DuoCarb Advantage – 3 times higher carbohydrate absorption than most other formulas to supply energy needed, especially during diarrhoea 1st soy formula with AA & DHA – building blocks of brain and eye development Iron and Taurine – To support overall mental development Choline – To support overall mental functioning Find out more about Isomil® 2 Advance®

References:

* Based on full year 2008 sales value data reported by Nielsen MarketTrack for Infant Milk category, Specialty Segment (LF, HA, Soy, Goat's Milk) in Total Singapore. © 2009, The Nielsen Company.

Related Articles:
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4

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