How long does toddler gastroenteritis last?
Gastroenteritis (gastro) is a bowel infection that causes diarrhoea (runny, watery poo) and sometimes vomiting. The vomiting may settle quickly, but the diarrhoea can last up to 10 days.
What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis in toddlers?
Children may not have all symptoms, but in general, gastroenteritis symptoms can include:
- loss of appetite.
- bloating.
- nausea.
- vomiting.
- abdominal cramps.
- abdominal pain.
- diarrhoea.
- bloody stools (poo) – in some cases.
What causes gastroenteritis in toddlers?
In the industrialized world, the most common causes of gastroenteritis in children are viruses, bacteria (food poisoning), and intestinal parasites. Viral gastroenteritis – In otherwise healthy children, viral infections of the digestive tract often are responsible for mild episodes of gastroenteritis.
How do you get rid of gastro in toddlers?
Mild gastroenteritis can be treated at home by giving frequent small amounts of cool, clear fluid – which are less likely to be vomited back up – to drink. You can also try giving your child the fluid as an ice block. If your child is breastfed, continue to do so but offer feeds more frequently.
How do you treat gastroenteritis in toddlers?
The main treatment for gastroenteritis is to keep your child well hydrated by encouraging them to drink plenty of fluids. If they are vomiting or feeling sick, drinking small amounts of fluid frequently is often the best approach. Babies and children should be offered a drink after each time they vomit.
When is a child at risk for gastroenteritis?
Table 1 summarizes pertinent items relating to common etiologies of gastroenteritis. Most life-threatening viral diarrheal illnesses occur in children under three months of age or in those who may be compromised by prematurity, malnutrition or poverty.
When to see a family physician for gastroenteritis?
Am Fam Physician. 1998 Nov 15;58 (8):1769-1776. Gastroenteritis in children is a common reason for visits to family physicians. Most cases of gastroenteritis have a viral etiology and are self-limited. However, more severe or prolonged cases of gastroenteritis can result in dehydration with significant morbidity and mortality.
What kind of fluid to give to a child with gastroenteritis?
Isotonic solutions such as normal saline and Ringer’s lactate are usually the correct fluids for the initial treatment of dehydration that requires intravenous fluids (Tables 1 and 6). This would be the correct type of fluid for treatment of the children in the illustrative cases.
How much potassium does a child with gastroenteritis lose?
Children with gastroenteritis lose 40 to 70 mEq per L (40 to 70 mmol per L) of sodium and 10 to 20 mEq per L (10 to 20 mmol per L) of potassium in diarrheal stools.
What are the symptoms of gastroenteritis in children?
In children, symptoms of gastroenteritis include: 1 Mild diarrhea. 2 Abdominal pain. 3 Cramps. 4 Vomiting. 5 Irritability (fussiness). 6 (1 more items)
Am Fam Physician. 1998 Nov 15;58 (8):1769-1776. Gastroenteritis in children is a common reason for visits to family physicians. Most cases of gastroenteritis have a viral etiology and are self-limited. However, more severe or prolonged cases of gastroenteritis can result in dehydration with significant morbidity and mortality.
When to give paracetamol to children with gastroenteritis?
Give them paracetamol if they have an uncomfortable fever or aches and pains. Young children may find liquid paracetamol easier to swallow than tablets. Use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if they’re dehydrated. Your GP or pharmacist can advise on how much to give your child.
What should you do if your baby has gastroenteritis?
They need to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea. Water is generally best. Avoid giving them fizzy drinks or fruit juice, as they can make their diarrhoea worse. Babies should continue to feed as usual, either with breast milk or other milk feeds. Make sure they get plenty of rest.