Gastroenteritis In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

Gastroenteritis is a common infection of the stomach and intestines. It may be called stomach flu. Symptoms may include fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Antibiotics: This medicine may be given if your child has an infection from certain types of bacteria. Make sure your child takes his antibiotics until they are gone, even if he feels better.
  
  
• Give your child’s medicine as directed: Contact your child's primary healthcare provider if you think the medicine is not helping or if he has side effects. Tell your child's primary healthcare provider if your child is allergic to any medicine. Keep a list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs he takes. Include the amounts, and when and why he takes them. Bring the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Your child could develop Reye syndrome if he takes aspirin when he is sick. Reye syndrome can cause life-threatening brain and liver damage. Check your child's medicine labels for aspirin, salicylates, or oil of wintergreen.

Follow up with your child's primary healthcare provider as directed:

Write down your questions so you remember to ask them during your visits.

Manage your child's gastroenteritis:

• Continue feeding your baby formula or breast milk: Be sure to refrigerate any unused portion. Formula or breast milk that is left out may make your child sicker.
  
  
• Give your child oral rehydration solution: Your child may drink an oral rehydration solution (ORS). 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 child, and where to get it.
  
  
• Feed your child his normal diet: Offer your child his usual foods if he feels OK. If your child is vomiting or has a lot of diarrhea, he can start eating foods when he is ready. Slowly begin to serve him regular foods. Continue to give him an ORS also. Do not give your child dairy products or sugary drinks until he feels better.

Prevent the spread of gastroenteritis:

• Wash hands, laundry, and surfaces: Your child and all household members must always wash their hands after they go to the bathroom or change diapers. Throw diapers away immediately. Wash the clothes and towels your child uses while he is ill separately from other laundry. Clean surfaces in your home with antibacterial cleaner or bleach.
  
  
• Cook safely: Wash your hands and raw vegetables before you cook. Have your child and all household members wash their hands before they eat. Cook meat, fish, and eggs fully. Do not use the same dishes for raw meat as you do for other foods. Refrigerate unused portions immediately.

Contact your child's primary healthcare provider if:

• 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.
  
  
• Your child's arms or legs seem cold to the touch.

Return to the emergency department if:

• 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 cold to the touch. They may be blue.
  
  
• Your child is having trouble breathing or has a very fast pulse.
  
  
• Your child is shaking or has a seizure (uncontrolled movements).
  
  
• Your child is very sleepy, or you cannot wake him.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Gastroenteritis In Children (Aftercare Instructions)