What is Gastroenteritis? Gastroenteritis in Children
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the bowel that causes diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting. It is very common in young children and is mainly caused by stomach viruses.
HOW IS VIRAL GASTROENTERITIS CAUGHT?
The
viruses can be easily picked up from other people who may have immunity
but pass on the infection. Bacteria, usually on contaminated food and
often spread by flies, can also cause the problem.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF STOMACH FLU? 胃流感有什么症状？
• Diarrhoea- frequent, loose, watery, greenish motions
• Vomiting- usually early on
• Abdominal pain- colicky pain may be present
• Crying- due to pain, hunger, thirst or nausea
• Bleeding- uncommon but sometimes seen in motions
• Fever- sometimes present
• Anal soreness
WHAT IS THE OUTCOME OF GASTROENTERITIS?
The fever settles in a day or so. The diarrhoea may last for up to 10 days, but usually lasts only 2 or 3 days.
WHAT ARE THE PROBLEMS OF STOMACH FLU?
The
serious problems are loss of water and loss of minerals such as sodium
chloride and potassium. The younger the child, the greater the danger.
The main cause is persistent vomiting.
WHAT ARE THE DANGER SIGNS?
The danger signs are listlessness, difficulty in waking up, sunken eyes, very dry skin and tongue, pallor, and passing of scanty or no urine. If these signs are present, contact your doctor without delay. Your child may need admission to hospital.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR GASTROENTERITIS?
肠胃炎的治疗方法是什么？
There is no special drug treatment for this problem. The inflamed bowel needs rest, and the body must have water and glucose.
DAY 1
Give fluids a little at a time and often, example, 50 ml every 15 minutes if vomiting a lot. A good method is to give 200 ml of fluid every time a watery stool is passed or a big vomit occurs.
The ideal fluid is a glucose and mineral powder that you can obtain from your pharmacist and make up according to the directions on the packet.
Alternatives are:
1. Lemonade, not low calorie- 1 part to 4 parts water
2. Sucrose, table sugar- 1 teaspoon to 240 ml water
3. Glucose- 1 teaspoon to 240 ml water
4. Cordials, not low calorie- 1 part to 16 parts water
WARNING: DO NOT USE STRAIGHT LEMONADE OR MIX UP THE GLUCOSE & MINERAL POWDER WITH LEMONADE OR FLUIDS OTHER THAN WATER
DAYS 2 AND 3
Reintroduce your baby’s usual milk or formula diluted to half strength, that is, mix equal quantities of milk or formula and water.
Do not worry that your child is not eating food. Solids can be commenced after 24 hours. Start with jelly, stewed apple, rice, porridge or non-fat potato chips. Avoid fatty foods, fried foods, raw vegetables and fruit and wholegrain bread.
DAY 4
Increase milk to normal strength and gradually reintroduce the usual diet.
BREASTFEEDING
If
your baby is not vomiting, continue breastfeeding but offer extra
fluids between feeds. If vomiting is a problem, express breast milk for
the time being while you follow the oral fluid program.
RULES TO FOLLOW FOR DIARRHOEA AND VOMITING
腹泻和呕吐应遵循的规则
- Give small amounts of fluid often
- Start bottle feeds after 24 hours
- Continue breastfeeding
- Start solid after 24 hours
- Maintain good hygiene- the problem is infectious
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR IF:
- Diarrhoea is profuse, example, 8- 10 watery stools (Acute gastroenteritis)
- Vomiting persists
- Any of the danger signs are present
- Severe abdominal pain develops
- Diarrhoea persists or recurs with introduction of milk
Please seek Medical attention as soon as possible if you are unsure of you or your family's health condition.
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The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.
Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.