Gastroenteritis is an infection in the stomach that causes vomiting and diarrhea. A virus or bacteria can cause gastroenteritis, which is a common childhood ailment. Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Children with gastroenteritis are at risk for developing dehydration. If your child develops symptoms of gastroenteritis, consult your doctor for assessment and advice on managing the illness.
Dehydration Assessment
Dehydration depletes fluids, electrolytes and sugar, which the body needs for normal functioning. Infants are more prone to dehydration than older children as they have smaller fluid reserves on which to rely. Recognizing dehydration symptoms is important for rapid dehydration treatment and prevention of further health complications.
Symptoms of dehydration in children include low urine output. Your child may not urinate for eight hours or more and she may have dark yellow, strong smelling urine when she does urinate. Babies with less than six to eight diapers in twenty-four hours are at risk for dehydration, states Cincinnati Children's Hospital. Your child may also be less active, sleepy or difficult to arouse. She may have a dry mouth or not produce tears when she cries. Infants may have a sunken fontanel or soft spot. Seek medical attention immediately if your child exhibits symptoms of dehydration, states the CDC.
Fluid Therapy
Fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhea must be replaced. Ensure that you speak with your child's physician about the type of fluids recommended for your child. Providing your child with the wrong type of fluid replacement may make her condition worse, states the American College of Emergency Physicians. Avoid fluids that contain high sodium content, like broth, which may increase the risk of dehydration. Fluids high in sugar, like fruit juices and soda, may make diarrhea worse and should be avoided as well.
Fluids with electrolytes are often encouraged to help replace fluid loss. Offer your child small, frequent sips of physician-approved fluids. Breastfeeding on demand may also be continued if appropriate. See a physician immediately if your child consistently refuses to take fluids or shows symptoms of dehydration.
Diet
Your child may be able to tolerate a bland diet with gastroenteritis. Kids Health.org suggests offering bland foods once diarrhea and vomiting have gotten better, or when your child feels able to tolerate foods. Food choices for gastroenteritis include bread, potatoes, plain yogurt, applesauce, lean meats and bananas.
Hospitalization
Gastroenteritis can be severe in some cases. Your child may require hospitalization if he develops severe dehydration, has recurrence of vomiting and diarrhea once symptoms initially resolved, or if providing care at home becomes difficult. Management of gastroenteritis in the hospital may include fluid therapy by intravenous line, which delivers fluids directly into a vein, medications for vomiting and close monitoring.
References
- Center for Disease Control: Managing Acute Gastroenteritis among Children
- American Academy of Family Physicians: Gastroenteritis in Children: Principles of diagnosis and treatment
- Cincinnati Children's Hospital: Gastroenteritis
- American College of Emergency Physicians: Focus On: Current management of gastroenteritis in children
- Kids Health: Dehydration
