What to do if the child has gastroenteritis

Acute gastroenteritis is the most frequent infection of the digestive system, and also affects children. Its own name indicates that the clinical picture is marked by inflammation, and that the sections mainly affected are the stomach (gastro) and the intestine (enteritis). Gastroenteritis is one of

Acute gastroenteritis is the most frequent infection of the digestive system, and also affects children. Its own name indicates that the clinical picture is marked by inflammation, and that the sections mainly affected are the stomach (gastro) and the intestine (enteritis).

Gastroenteritis is one of the conditions that most occur among children in their first years of daycare or school and can be more or less serious depending on their origin and intensity.

Causes and symptoms of childhood gastroenteritis

Gastroenteritis can be caused by a wide variety of microorganisms, from viruses (Rotavirus, Adenovirus, Norovirus, Coronavirus, Agent Norwalk), to bacteria (Salmonella, Campylobacter, Yersinia, Shigella) or parasites (Giardia).

From a clinical point of view, there may be a variable degree of fever, abdominal pain, vomiting and diarrheic stool emission. The consistency and appearance of the stool will vary depending on the sector of the intestine that is most affected. If the small intestine is preferentially affected, the stools will be very soft or watery. If the distal part of the large intestine is affected, there may be blood, pus, or mucus in the stool. The presence of blood tends to cause great concern, but what we have to worry about in a child with this process is dehydration.

You can suspect that your child is dehydrated if he is not very active, if he is decayed, if he cries without tears or if he urinates in a small amount or does not urinate, and if he has 'sunken eyes'.

Treatment of gastroenteritis in children

From the point of view of treatment, the main thing is to rehydrate the child with a serum sodium (you can find them at any pharmacy). This has to be offered in frequent periodic shots, especially after each abundant deposition. In addition, you have to offer a soft, appetizing diet, without forcing. Very restrictive diets are counterproductive.

Ah! And do not forget to wash your hands after changing the diaper or cleaning your child.