hetal, i read your post on teething and some other comments. i am interested in knowing how do i know if the loose motion or any other signs are related to teething or is sign of illness.

my baby has just started teething and is drooling alot. i am worried and want to take precautions so that my baby dunt suffer more.
please advice on this.
thanks.
Vidya. Hetal replied. good question.
answer :
1. if your child is teething :
- he will drool alot.
- he might have less interest in food but its unlikely that he will fast ! some babies like mine do fast but they replace the diet or food with something thats mostly liquid ! but they take it during those times when they are hungry,however, they dont like eating at all !
-- once the teeth are out or the white line appears just on the gums or the gums are ruptured, mostly the teeting related problems vanishes and child recovers his normal health and well being.
however, if it has lead to some bacterial infection that is related to ear, throat or nasal passges, thn your child might need a dosage of antibiotic.
--if its the sign of illness, the signs of illness mostly prolong,,it starts mostly in al cases like slowing loosng apetite, thn feeling tired and etc etc,,some kids do feel fatigue when teeth are about to come out but they dont loke tired whole day,,itz only when the pain strikes or in some cases about to strike, thn your baby might feel it,,thn after a couple hours he is just just fine !
if its the sign of rapid illness like some infection related to vomitng or loose motions, thn the smell of bowels or vomits is unbearable or sour and check your baby gums for that.
also the colour of bowels or vomits will tell the whole story..

in ne of above cases, it all depends on illness and as to how your child is behaving in a particular phase like teething or walking...these are main milestones when kid feel less interested in food, meals or they tend to lose thr wght.
as far as they are not running fever above 100 for more than 24hours,or they are not havng serious unbearable health conditions like too many vomits or too many bowels in one hour,,thn its okay to wait n watch your child activities,
as soon as you see your child drooling, make sure to keep things around you clean so that all that goes in his mouth doesnt lead to other problems like infections or ne such troubles. make sure to keep tiny things away that might choke him,and first and foremost, keep him well hydrated with lots of fresh juices..
a child with enough liquids in body always recovers fast may it bee teething or ne illness...
esp for teething,,double th amt of liquids like juices, yogurt(a bit thin but lassi like), dals and its water, extra serving of fruits that contains high water like water melons/melons and grapes,,etc..
and all these should help.consider the baby age and offer accordingly..

thats all i can recall as of now..ne serious signs of sickness has to be reported to your dr, immediatly,,because even though teething might have just triggered it,,itz not necessary that once the teeth is out, the sicknes will go away,,it may cost your child health conditions..so avoid that..
ask your dr about pain medications and teething tablets..