What is Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis, commonly known as gastro, is an infection of the intestines that causes symptoms such as watery diarrhea, vomiting, or both. This illness is highly contagious and often spreads in environments like schools, daycares, and families. While vomiting usually subsides within a few days, diarrhea can persist for up to 10 days. Various pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can trigger gastroenteritis.
Signs & Symptoms
Common signs and symptoms include:
Vomiting: Lasting 2-3 days
Diarrhea: Lasting up to 10 days
Fever
Stomach pain
Signs of dehydration
Dehydration Risk
Young children, especially those under 6 months, are particularly susceptible to dehydration. Signs of dehydration in your child may include:
Fewer than half the usual number of wet diapers daily or dry diapers
Cool, mottled, or greyish skin, along with drowsiness
Dark-colored urine and infrequent bathroom visits
Light-headedness, dizziness, dry lips, or dry mouth
Caring for Your Child at Home
Preventing Dehydration:The primary treatment for gastroenteritis focuses on preventing dehydration by replenishing lost fluids. Encourage your child to take small sips of fluids to minimize the likelihood of vomiting. A hydration check in chart is a simple useful tool to help track fluids.
Suitable fluids include:
Diluted sugar-based drinks (e.g., apple juice mixed 50:50 with water)
Oral rehydration solutions (e.g., Gluco-lyte, Gastrolyte, Hydralyte, Repalyte, Pedialyte) — ensure to follow dosage instructions carefully.
Avoid giving large amounts of plain water, as it lacks the essential sugars and salts your child needs.
Reintroducing Food: For older children, you can start reintroducing solid foods within 24 hours of symptom onset. Begin with bland options such as:
Plain pasta
Boiled rice
Dry toast
Plain biscuits
For babies under 12 months, resume their regular milk formula after 24 hours, without dilution.
Reducing the Spread of Gastroenteritis
Infection Control: To minimize the spread of gastroenteritis, follow these guidelines:
Keep your child away from other children for 48 hours after their last episode of diarrhea.
Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before meals and after changing diapers; alcohol sanitizers are ineffective against this infection.
Change diapers frequently and apply a zinc-based cream to prevent diaper rash caused by diarrhea.
When to Seek Medical Help
Monitor your child's symptoms closely and seek medical attention if:
Symptoms worsen after a doctor visit.
Diarrhea persists for more than 10 days.
Emergency Situations: Take your child to the nearest emergency department if they experience any of the following:
Are under 3 months old, vomit (with or without diarrhea), and have a fever.
Vomit frequently and cannot keep fluids down (their output is greater than their input), especially if under 6 months.
Have more than 8 watery stools per day.
Show fewer than half their usual number of wet nappies or have significantly drier nappies.
Experience severe stomach pain.
Have green vomit or blood in their vomit or stool.
Your child is sicker than ever before and your gut is telling you something is not right.
Exhibit severe neck or head pain, are excessively fussy or drowsy, or may have swallowed a button battery.
Key Points to Remember
Gastroenteritis spreads quickly, especially among children.
Good hand hygiene and careful monitoring can significantly reduce the risk of transmission.
Stay vigilant for signs of dehydration and seek medical advice when necessary.
Encourage fluid intake and a gradual return to solid foods.
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