My 10-Month-Baby Isn’t Eating, Is Lethargic And Lost Weight!

Dad’s Question:

My 10 and a half-month-old baby boy was very wheezy over the weekend. He was diagnosed with broncholiths around 4 months ago; we tried him with his inhaler tube thing! This didn’t help so we monitored him over the next few days.

By Monday evening he was projectile vomiting and coughing. We took him to the emergency doctors and they said he has only got a “cold”. He wasn’t any better by Tuesday so we took him to our Family Doctors Wednesday morning who said he has a Chest infection and gave him Amoxicillin and Dioraylte.

Our son 2 days later won’t take the Dioraylite and knows whenever he drinks his water or juice he is sick so will only take a small sip! We tried him on a piece of toast this morning but he couldn’t keep it down. He has been very lethargic over the past 24 hrs sleeping for most of the time and has lost weight. We haven’t weighed him yet but you couldn’t see his ribs and backbone before he fell ill.

I don’t want to sound like an over-concerned parent but should we be worried that he hasn’t really eaten or properly drank in 2 days? Should we take him back to our Doctors?

Please advise.
Paul

Baby Helpline:

Lethargic 10-Month-Old Not Eating And Drinking

I understand that you are worried and I agree with you; If you son is weak and isn’t drinking and can’t keep anything down, the doctor needs to take a second look at him immediately.

I know from my own experience that babies sometimes tend to throw up from just having a cold; I think it is the mucus that is the problem. So the fact that he is throwing up doesn’t have to mean there is something else wrong with him (but you should still have him checked!).

Also, don’t be too worried about your son not eating and losing weight. In most cases, the weeks after such a period, babies tend to get an enormous appetite and compensate the weight loss. It is quite amazing! And when he starts eating again, you can also add extra fat to his food if necessary.

It is much more worrying if he isn’t drinking. Babies can become dehydrated fast and that can be really dangerous for them. So take him back to the doctor!

And also try to offer him liquid very often. Even if he just takes a tea spoon every time, it is much better than nothing. (You can read more about signs of dehydration in babies here.)

I really hope your little son gets well soon and that he and you get all the help you should from the doctors.

Paula
(Answer approved by our Medical Reference Team)
P.S. Here are two excellent reference books for baby health issues and injuries:

• My Child Is Sick!: Expert Advice for Managing Common Illnesses and Injuries
• Caring for Your Baby and Young Child by The American Academy of Pediatrics

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