11-Month-Old Experiencing Recurring Diarrhea and Vomiting
We are currently facing a challenging situation with my daughter's health issue that began on Father's Day. At 11 months old and weighing 17.5 pounds, she has no known allergies or pre-existing medical conditions, and she takes a vitamin D supplement. Until three weeks ago, she was consuming a combination of soy-based formula and breast milk, after which I ceased breastfeeding. She continues to use the same formula that she has tolerated since she was three months old. A great eater, she has been enjoying various solid foods since she was 5 or 6 months old. About two weeks ago, right around Father’s Day, she started to suffer from severe diarrhea accompanied by intermittent vomiting. The diarrhea had a notably unpleasant odor, and the vomiting mainly occurred in her crib at night and during the early morning hours. A doctor diagnosed her with a viral gastrointestinal infection, and her stool PCR test came back negative. Unfortunately, a few days later, her condition worsened regarding her appetite and sleep, revealing she also had an ear infection. After beginning treatment with amoxicillin, her diarrhea and vomiting improved significantly. We completed the antibiotic course just two days ago. Last night, however, we experienced a frustrating setback as she exhibited troubling symptoms again, including frequent vomiting—occurring at least five times overnight—and loose stools, prompting her to wake up this morning to the same foul-smelling diarrhea. Following another visit to the doctor, they suggested it might just be a recurrence of the gastrointestinal virus, although I find it perplexing that she would have consecutive episodes. We haven't gone anywhere recently, and she had been kept at home from daycare until only two days ago. Although she showed signs of improvement while on antibiotics, I am confused about why these symptoms are returning if the medication eliminated whatever was causing her trouble. Fortunately, there has been no blood in her vomit or stools, and I can’t identify any new foods in her diet that may be causing an allergic reaction. She generally has a well-rounded diet, making it tough to pinpoint any possible food sensitivities. Is it possible that these recurrent symptoms indicate a food allergy, or could it be related to FPIES? It feels very discouraging to be back at the starting point after experiencing a brief period of relief. During today's check-up, the doctor noted that her ear appeared to be healing well, and further antibiotics were not deemed necessary. We plan to re-test her stool PCR and perform a culture to seek additional answers. What might we be overlooking?
Answers (1)
7/2/2025, 8:50:50 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your daughter's ongoing health challenges. It's understandable to feel frustrated, especially after noticing temporary improvement. Let's break down what you're experiencing and discuss steps you can take to help support your daughter during this time.
Main Points:
- Recurring diarrhea and vomiting can be linked to infections, food sensitivities, or digestive issues.
- Monitoring her symptoms and maintaining hydration is critical.
- A thorough follow-up on potential allergies or sensitivities may be necessary.
Explanation:
The symptoms you're describing—persistent diarrhea and vomiting—can be distressing, especially in young children. After a viral gastrointestinal infection, symptoms can sometimes persist or recur, particularly if the gut flora (the balance of bacteria in the intestines) has been affected. It's good that the stool PCR test was negative, as this rules out some serious infections.
The unpleasant odor of her stools can suggest malabsorption issues, and while it's possible that she may have developed a food sensitivity, it's also plausible that her gut is still recovering from the previous infection. Given her age and dietary history, her symptoms could relate to several factors, including possible reactions to her protein sources or ongoing gastrointestinal upset.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Ensure she stays hydrated, particularly with oral rehydration solutions if she continues to have frequent diarrhea. This is crucial to prevent dehydration.
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Diet Modifications: While you mention she eats a well-rounded diet, consider observing her closely for a few days as you reintroduce familiar foods, keeping a journal noting any symptoms linked to specific foods. This may help identify possible sensitivities.
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Follow-Up Testing: Continue with the recommended stool re-testing and cultures. If her symptoms persist beyond another week or worsen, consider discussing with your doctor the possibility of allergies, such as FPIES (Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome), particularly if she shows signs of distress after certain foods.
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Monitor Signs: Keep an eye out for any additional symptoms, such as fever, persistent irritability, or changes in activity level, and report these to your healthcare provider.
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Probiotics Consideration: Depending on your doctor’s advice, you might explore the use of probiotics, which can help restore healthy gut bacteria after a gastrointestinal infection.
It's always difficult to see a little one unwell, but remaining vigilant and systematic about observing her condition can help you and her healthcare provider make informed decisions moving forward. Keep documenting all symptoms, as this will aid healthcare professionals in tailoring more specific recommendations. Let me know if you have questions or need any further guidance.
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