What to do if a child has gastroenteritis?

Written by Yan Xin Liang
Pediatrics
Updated on September 12, 2024
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For children with gastroenteritis, we first treat the gut with probiotics, such as oral bifidobacterium or lactobacillus acidophilus. Then, we can provide gastrointestinal mucosal protectants, such as montmorillonite powder. At the same time, since gastroenteritis may cause dehydration and electrolyte disorders, it is necessary to replenish fluids and electrolytes, commonly using oral rehydration salts. If the gastroenteritis is suspected to be caused by a viral infection, some antiviral medications should be taken orally. If it is considered to be caused by a bacterial infection, oral antibiotics for anti-infection treatment, such as cephalosporins or penicillins, should be administered.

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Written by Zhai Guo Dong
Gastroenterology
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How to alleviate gastroenteritis?

If the patient has gastroenteritis, we recommend that the patient should rest in bed as much as possible. For patients with mild conditions, we can advise oral intake of glucose and electrolytes to replenish the loss of body fluids. If there is persistent vomiting or evident dehydration, intravenous rehydration with glucose saline and other relevant electrolytes is necessary. We encourage the intake of light liquid or semi-liquid diet to prevent or treat mild dehydration. Additionally, injections of pain relievers, antispasmodic drugs, and antidiarrheal medications can be administered for symptomatic treatment. For infectious diarrhea, targeted antibiotics can be used, but it is advised to avoid their misuse.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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How to stop diarrhea in acute gastroenteritis

First of all, start with diet and daily habits by paying attention to keeping warm and avoiding catching a cold, especially for patients with gastrointestinal-type colds. The diet should consist of light and easy-to-digest foods, such as porridge and soft noodles, with some salt added to replenish electrolytes. Avoid eating foods that are too cold or greasy and spicy. Regarding medication, different treatments should be adopted according to different causes of the disease. For patients with gastrointestinal-type colds caused by viral infections, antiviral and astringent antidiarrheal medications are generally used. If the infection is caused by improper diet, the main treatment involves anti-inflammatory medications to achieve hemostasis.

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Written by Jiang Guo Ming
Gastroenterology
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Symptoms of acute gastroenteritis

The symptoms of acute gastroenteritis depend on the cause, including gastroenteritis caused by a stomach flu or bacterial infection. The symptoms of gastroenteritis from a stomach flu usually include fever, chills, dizziness, fatigue, body aches, stomach pain, diarrhea with watery stools, sometimes accompanied by vomiting and bloating. Routine stool tests often show no significant abnormalities. Acute gastroenteritis caused by bacterial infection typically manifests as stomach pain and diarrhea, accompanied by fever and chills, with stools that are mucous in nature. Routine stool tests often reveal the presence of white blood cells, pus cells, or phagocytes, and a routine blood test may indicate an increased white blood cell count. Treatment methods vary and generally involve symptomatic treatment, which usually leads to gradual relief.

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Written by Ren Zheng Xin
Gastroenterology
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How to treat acute gastroenteritis?

The main principles of treating acute gastroenteritis clinically are to stop vomiting, stop diarrhea, relieve spasms, replenish fluids, and rest in bed symptomatically. For mild cases, oral intake of dilute salt water can be used to replenish lost body fluids. If there is frequent vomiting or obvious dehydration, intravenous fluids are necessary to maintain water and electrolyte balance. Sensitive antibiotics should be used to treat intestinal inflammation, but it is important to prevent antibiotic abuse. With active treatment, the prognosis for acute gastroenteritis is generally good. After treatment, attention should also be paid to diet; avoid eating unclean food, and consume less raw, cold, and spicy foods, while also paying attention to personal prevention.

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Written by Zhai Guo Dong
Gastroenterology
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How long does it take for gastroenteritis to get better?

If it is acute gastroenteritis, make sure to rest in bed as much as possible, replenish with glucose electrolyte solutions, and handle symptoms accordingly. Recovery often occurs within three to seven days. If it is chronic gastroenteritis, specific analysis based on the particular conditions is required. Chronic gastritis and enteritis often cannot be completely cured, only partially alleviated in terms of symptoms.