Question:

My son (3 1/2 yrs) has had white stool, his stomach is very distended, has abdominal pain for almost 2 weeks. He went in for blood tests and abdominal x rays. His blood tests came back good(ie.liver function tests) except his white count was a little high. His abdominal x rays revealed alot of stool in his body, and an enlarged spleen. The drs say he is constipated (his stool is soft though), and gave him PEG 3350. His dr is going to send him for an ultrasound to check his liver and spleen, but that won`t be for atleast another 2 weeks or more. Also he has arthritis but his rheumatologist says none of it is from his arthritis. They have asked me if he has had an infection, and not that I know of has he had any infection. The only thing his rheumatologist says might be the cause of his enlarged spleen, is mono. I haven`t noticed anything different than usual. He is on Indocid, Methotrexate, and Folic Acid. I would just like some advice on what may be causing this..if you can at all…Just dont want to be worried over spring break. Thanks for your help…it is greatly appreciated.

Answer:

I don’t think I can be of much help. The ultrasound is what I would have ordered. But given his complicated history and current medical problems, an infection sounds reasonable. He may need seen by a pediatric gastroenterologist.

For more information:

Go to the Digestive Disorders health topic.