WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis, or stomach flu, is an infection of the stomach and intestines. Gastroenteritis is caused by bacteria, parasites, or viruses. Rotavirus is one of the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children. What increases my child's risk for gastroenteritis? - Close contact with an infected person or animal
- Food poisoning, such as from eggs, raw vegetables, shellfish, or meat that is not fully cooked
- Drinking water that is not clean, such as when you camp or travel
What are the signs and symptoms of gastroenteritis? - Diarrhea or gas
- Nausea, vomiting, or poor appetite
- Abdominal cramps, pain, or gurgling
- Fever
- Tiredness, weakness, or fussiness
- Headaches or muscle aches with any of the above symptoms
How is gastroenteritis diagnosed? Your child's healthcare provider will examine your child. He will check for signs of dehydration. He will ask you how often your child is vomiting or has diarrhea. He will want to know how much your child is drinking and urinating. Your child may need a blood or bowel movement sample tested for the germ causing his gastroenteritis. How is gastroenteritis managed? Gastroenteritis often clears up on its own. Medicine is usually not needed to treat gastroenteritis in children. It is most important to prevent or treat dehydration. - Continue to feed your baby formula or breast milk. Be sure to refrigerate any breast milk or formula that you do not use right away. Formula or milk that is left at room temperature may make your child more sick. Your baby's healthcare provider may suggest that you give him an oral rehydration solution (ORS). An ORS contains water, salts, and sugar that are needed to replace lost body fluids. Ask what kind of ORS to use, how much to give your baby, and where to get it.
- Give your child liquids as directed. Ask how much liquid to give your child each day and which liquids are best for him. Your child may need to drink more liquids than usual to prevent dehydration. Have him suck on popsicles, ice, or take small sips of liquids often if he has trouble keeping liquids down. Your child may need an ORS. Ask what kind of ORS to use, how much to give your child, and where to get it.
- Feed your child bland foods. Offer your child bland foods, such as bananas, apple sauce, soup, rice, bread, or potatoes. Do not give him dairy products or sugary drinks until he feels better.
How can I help prevent gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis can spread easily. If your child is sick, keep him home from school or daycare. Keep your child, yourself, and your surroundings clean to help prevent the spread of gastroenteritis: - Wash your and your child's hands often. Use soap and water. Remind your child to wash his hands after he uses the bathroom, sneezes, or eats.
- Clean surfaces and do laundry often. Wash your child's clothes and towels separately from the rest of the laundry. Clean surfaces in your home with antibacterial cleaner or bleach.
- Clean food thoroughly and cook safely. Wash raw vegetables before you cook. Cook meat, fish, and eggs fully. Do not use the same dishes for raw meat as you do for other foods. Refrigerate any leftover food immediately.
- Be aware when you camp or travel. Give your child only clean water. Do not let your child drink from rivers or lakes unless you purify or boil the water first. When you travel, give him bottled water and do not add ice. Do not let him eat fruit that has not been peeled. Avoid raw fish or meat that is not fully cooked.
- Ask about immunizations. You can have your child immunized for rotavirus. This vaccine is given in drops that your child swallows. Ask your healthcare provider for more information.
Call 911 for any of the following: - Your child has trouble breathing or a very fast pulse.
- Your child has a seizure.
- Your child is very sleepy, or you cannot wake him.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your child has signs of dehydration, such as dry mouth or eyes. He may urinate less than usual or not at all.
- You see blood in your child's diarrhea.
- Your child's legs or arms are feel cold or look blue.
- Your child's abdominal pain is getting worse or is severe.
When should I contact my child's healthcare provider? - Your child has a fever.
- Your child will not drink.
- Your child continues to vomit or have diarrhea, even after treatment.
- You see worms in your child's diarrhea.
- Your child is fussier than usual or is not as active.
- You have questions or concerns about your child's condition or care.
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