What causes children to not gain weight and have constant loose motions?
Patient: hello, We have two boys ages 22 months and 10 months. They have not gained any weight in many months and are both well below the chart. They both also suffer from soft bowel movements around 6 times a day. They have been tested for CF and Cilliac and both were negative. They are developmentally on track and very happy non lethargic children. We live in a rural idaho town with no specialists. We see the Dr again today and wondering what else he should be looking for? Doctor: Hi,Are the stool mucus/blood stained / contains lot of gases? Is the perineum excoriated? Any ulceration or discolouration in and around mouth? Few conditions causing this trouble are- Vitamin / mineral deficiency like zinc / niacin, worm infestations are rarely malabsorption syndromes. Apart from the said tests you mentioned, a stool routine examination (for worms and reducing substances) may give some clue.  In such cases, I used to deworm children and give a course of zinc therapy to see the response, and proceed accordingly. Your doctor will discuss in detail. Meanwhile avoid / restrict sugary items / juices / soft drinks / candies- these can cause loose stools because of osmotic and other mechanisms.Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.  Regards, Dr. Muhammed Aslam T. K., Pediatrician