What to do if your child has gastroenteritis

As we all know, children’s stomachs are very fragile and they can easily suffer from diarrhea if they are not careful about their diet. At this time, it is the parents who are worried. They are so worried that they can’t eat or sleep. Gastroenteritis in children is a very common childhood disease. For example, irregular diet or poor digestion can lead to gastroenteritis, so there is no need to worry too much. So, what should we do if our child has acute gastroenteritis?

1. Pay attention to fluid replacement and avoid dehydration

Pay attention to dehydration symptoms: Does the child urinate less (fewer diaper changes), cry without tears, have dry and inelastic skin, or has a sunken fontanelle? Regardless of whether the child has received an IV drip or not, you can buy electrolyte water for diarrhea and give it to the child to drink as water.

An IV may be necessary if a child's level of consciousness is decreased or if dehydration is severe. But oral rehydration therapy is still a good way to replenish fluids. Drinks high in simple sugars, such as soda, fruit juice, etc., are not recommended for children under 5 years old because they may worsen diarrhea. If there is no special oral rehydration solution or it tastes bad, plain water can also be used. If indicated, nasogastric tubes can also be used in children to supplement fluids.

2. Pay attention to diet and continue breastfeeding

Breastfed babies are advised to continue feeding as usual.

Formula-fed infants should continue formula feeding immediately after ORT rehydration. You can try brewing it with half milk (i.e. diluting the concentration by half) first. If the diarrhea condition does not improve within 3-7 days, you may need to switch to lactose-free milk powder (i.e. commercially available laxative milk powder) under the doctor's instructions.

3. Antiemetics

Antiemetic medications may help treat vomiting in children, but they must be taken as directed by your doctor. Ondansetron has some utility, with a single dose reducing the need for intravenous fluids, hospitalization, and vomiting. However, the use of ondansetron may be associated with an increased risk of hospital readmission in children. If clinically necessary, ondansetron can also be administered orally in the intravenous form. Metoclopramide may be effective.

4. Antibiotics

Antibiotics are not routinely used for gastroenteritis but may be recommended if symptoms are particularly severe or if a susceptible bacterium is identified or a bacterial infection is suspected. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that children with blood in their stools and fever should be given antibiotics.