Stomach flu, also known as gastroenteritis, is an infection of the stomach and intestines; affecting the digestive system. Usually the cause will be from contaminated foods or fluids admitting parasites, types of bacteria or viruses. Also contact or consumption of toxins that may be present in plants or seafoods. The use of potent laxatives for constipation or intake of poisonous heavy metal or food.
A child will suffer from upset stomach and cramps. he or she will become disinterested in eating and feel weak. A child may also experience diarrhea and vomiting; sometimes there will be a fever and dehydration. This infection could last about five days.
Giving your child fluids, on a regular basis, will keep him or her from dehydrating and it will stop other symptoms from getting worse. When experiencing the stomach flu, the loss of water and salt in the body is at high risk. Thus, leading to dehydration which can be life threatening to the child.
Water, alone, isn't enough due to the loss of salts in the body as well. Parents can purchase specific drinks, such as pedilite, designed to replenish the body of lost fluid and salts. These drinks can be found at your local grocery store. There are a number of different flavors to choose from and all are easy to ingest. Do not add sugar or water to these drinks, they are designed to rehydrate the body with the correct combination of salts, sugars and water. If you add things to the mixture this will delay in the body recovering properly.
If vomiting is involved with the child, you can administer these solutions a teaspoon at a time every two minutes. Increase the quantity as the child is able to hold it down. One can also incorporate these solutions into ice chips for the child who is vomiting frequently. This, too, will supply their body with constant fluids.
This procedure should be followed until the child is over the diarrhea. However, if the condition lasts over twenty four hours you should seek the advice of your pediatrician. Keep in mind, fluids like soft drinks, sports drinks, chicken broth or apple juice; though good for your family, are not the correct combination of salts, sugars and waters and can cause the condition to worsen.
Symptoms to look for if a child is lacking in proper amounts of fluids are as follows: sunken eyes, complaints of dry mouth, always thirsty, less frequent urination, and unusual changes in sleep patterns. By all means avoid giving your child fried, spicy or sugary foods during this time of sickness.
Bedrest is very important, the more the better. Complete bed rest is recommended for the duration of the diarrhea and vomiting or for twenty four hours, which ever lasts the longest. I f fever is involved with the sickness of the child, take care to check it frequently. Keep a standing record of his or her temperature every four hours. Again contact your doctor if the fever is excessively high and doesn't stop climbing.
Take precautions when preparing your child's food, always wash your hands. Call your doctor if vomiting and diarrhea lasts over twenty four hours and be prepared to visit the emergency room if blood is visible in the vomit or there is green color substance.
The doctor may take stool and blood tests and most likely prescribe an antibiotic to help your child. Sometimes there will be an anti nausea medicine prescribed to assist in the vomiting and fluid loss. In severe cases of fluid loss, the child may be admitted into the hospital and an IV will be placed into the child'[s veins. He or she will be monitored regularly and the doctor will be informed continually; the doctor will also visit the child to check the progress he or she is making and if they are responding to treatment. If the illness continues for days, the doctor will be kept informed not only of the temperature, blood oxygen levels and daily weight of the child; but also make any changes in treatment the doctor may prescribe.
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