Gastroenteritis
What is gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis, also known as the stomach flu, is an infection of the stomach and intestines.
What causes gastroenteritis?
Bacteria, parasites, or viruses may cause gastroenteritis. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children.
What are the signs & symptoms of gastroenteritis?
* Diarrhea or gas
* Nausea, vomiting, or decrease appetite
* Abdominal cramps, pain, or gurgling
* Fever
* Tiredness, weakness, or fussiness
* Headaches or muscle aches
How is gastroenteritis treated?
Gastroenteritis typically resolves on it’s own. The goal of gastroenteritis is to prevent or treat dehydration.
Infants should continue to feed by formula or breast milk. Children should gradually have bland, easy to digest foods, such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Children should also include complex carbohydrates (e.g. rice, wheat, bread, cereals), lean meats, yogurt, fruits, and vegetables in their diet. Children should avoid juices, sodas, dairy products, and candy as they may worsen diarrhea. Increase your child’s fluid intake by offering frequent small amounts of Pedialyte (Prescilla, 2008).
Resource:
Prescilla, R. (2008). Pediatric gastroenteritis. Retrieved from http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/964131-overview