When your child has the stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, she is probably unable to hold solid foods down. In your search for bland, easy-to-stomach foods, you may inadvertently give her foods, such as ice cream, that can make her vomiting or diarrhea worse. While gastroenteritis is caused by a virus and can't be remedied by medicines, you can manage your child's symptoms by keeping her hydrated and feeding her foods recommended by her pediatrician.
Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is known as "stomach flu," but it isn't related to influenza. Gastroenteritis is caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal system. You can contract gastroenteritis by coming into contact with an infected person or contaminated food or water. Children are particularly at risk for gastroenteritis because they may not practice proper hygiene and they are less likely to have the immune protection to guard them against the illness. Gastroenteritis is characterized by severe stomach pains, vomiting, diarrhea and fever.
Foods to Avoid
Avoid foods that contain a lot of sugar or dairy products, even if they seem easy to digest. Ice cream and apple juice are two foods that can make diarrhea worse because of their high sugar content. In addition, avoid caffeinated beverages, such as cola, foods that contain a lot of fat, and spicy foods because these foods can upset your child's stomach. Ice cream is particularly bad because it contains both dairy and sugar and it contains a lot of fat.
Acceptable Foods
Allow your child to eat sparingly if that gives his stomach a rest. He needs to remain hydrated by drinking clear liquids and sports drinks, even if he does not feel like eating very much. As he begins to feel better, give him mild, bland foods that aren't sugary, fatty or made from dairy. Such foods include toast, crackers, chicken, bananas and rice. When he begins to feel better and symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting cease, you can reintroduce his normal diet.
When to Consult Your Pediatrician
Seek medical help immediately if your child begins to show signs of dehydration, for example, dizziness or fainting, or if he begins urinating less frequently and has dark urine. If he begins to vomit blood or has blood in his diarrhea or if his vomiting or diarrhea last for more than two to three days, call his pediatrician as soon as possible. In addition, if he develops a fever over 101 degrees Fahrenheit, seek medical help. The presence of any of these symptoms may indicate that his condition is getting worse.
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