What causes chronic diarrhea and intestinal cramps in a 9 month old baby?
Patient: This is a senario; a 9 month old girl was admitted to hospital with chronic diarrhoea, intestinal cramps and flatulence. her weight gain had been slightly below normal for the first 6 months of life, but had become considerably below normal in the past 3 months. diarrhoea first became obvious at about 6 months. microscopic analysis of the faeces did not reveal any abnormalities. a sample of urine is available for analysis. What could her possible diagnosis be and why did the diarrhoea start at 6 months ? ( I assume it is because she was weaned off breast milk and it has something to do with amylase enzyme) Doctor: Hi...Thank you for consulting in Health Care magic. I understand your concern. I have a few questions and will suggest few possibilities.Questions:1. What was the birth weight and what is the current weight?2. How is the attaining of developmental milestones?3. Is the stool oily and floats in the pan?4. Is there any colour change in the hair or skin?5. Is there any history of recurrent serious infections?Possibilities:1. Chronic diarrhoea - ? Fat malabsorption2. Micro Nutrient deficiency3. Immunodeficiency either primary or acquired.Hope my answer was helpful for you.  I am happy to help any time. Further clarifications and consultations on Health care magic are welcome. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish your kid good health.Dr. Sumanth MBBS., DCH., DNB (Paed).,