Gastroenteritis in children
goodtoknow says: Gastroenteritis is a stomach bug that causes vomiting and diarrhoea. Your child might also have a high temperature and a headache. This is often quite a mild illness and your child is likely to recover rapidly. Vomiting usually lasts a day or two but if they want to eat, let them. Don't starve them as used to be advised and make sure they drink plenty fluids. Medication isn't usually needed but give infant paracetamol or ibubrofen if they have a fever. Probiotic yoghurt drinks or capsules may also help speed their recovery.
For a full medical explanation of the causes, symptoms and treatments of gastroenteritis from patient.co.uk, read on.
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the gut. It causes diarrhoea, and may also cause vomiting, tummy pain and fever. In most cases the infection clears over several days, but sometimes takes longer. The main risk is dehydration. The main treatment is to give the child lots to drink, often this is with special rehydration drinks. Also, to encourage the child to eat as normally as possible. See a doctor if you suspect that a child is dehydrating, or if they have any worrying symptoms which are listed below.
What is gastroenteritis and what causes it?
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the guts (intestines). The severity can range from a mild tummy upset for a day or two with some mild diarrhoea, to severe diarrhoea and vomiting for several days or longer. Many viruses, bacteria, and other microbes (germs) can cause gastroenteritis.
- A virus is a common cause in the UK. Sometimes it is just 'one of those germs going about'. Viruses are easily spread from one person to another by close contact, or when an infected person prepares food for others. Infection with a virus called rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children in the UK. Almost every child in the UK will have a rotavirus infection before they are five years old.
- Food poisoning (infected food) causes some cases of gastroenteritis. Many different types of germs can cause food poisoning. Common examples are bacteria called campylobacter and salmonella.
- Water contaminated by bacteria or other germs is a common cause of gastroenteritis, particularly in countries with poor sanitation.
