Gastroenteritis in boys and girls is the most common, especially up to 4 years of age. We tell you its symptoms and what care you can carry out.
The times of the year when gastroenteritis is most common in boys and girls are autumn and winter. This problem is contagious, so it can be passed from one child to another.
In addition, it is convenient to intensify hygiene measures, with food cleaning and regular hand washing. The most appropriate thing will be to go to the doctor and that the boy or girl affected by gastroenteritis does not go to daycare or school until the symptoms subside. Check out more interesting articles on our site.
SYMPTOMS OF GASTROENTERITIS IN CHILDREN
Gastroenteritis in boys and girls is one of the infections that they can suffer more frequently. It appears due to inflammation and irritation of the digestive tract, including the stomach and the small and large intestines.
The most striking symptoms of gastroenteritis are the following:
- Diarrhea;
- Loss of appetite;
- Nausea or vomiting;
- Stomachache;
- Fever;
- Soft spot;
- Irritation of the skin around the anus.
These usually disappear after three days (more or less). If they persist over time, we recommend that you request a medical consultation again.
In addition, during gastroenteritis it is very likely that the child will suffer from dehydration, an intense loss of liquids that puts at risk the balance of salts and water in the body that are involved in exchanges between cells and blood.
This imbalance is delicate, especially in the case of breastfed babies, since their body composition is mainly made up of liquids and because they lose them more quickly than adults.
In this sense, it is important that you know the symptoms of dehydration, because thanks to the fact that it is not immediate, you can react in time:
- 5-10% weight loss;
- Dry lips;
- Eye bags;
- Scanty saliva;
- Lack of energy and tiredness;
- Little urine.
In any of these cases, it is best to see a doctor.
CARE TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT FOR GASTROENTERITIS IN CHILDREN
- It is recommended not to give any food or drink to the child after vomiting. This is because the stomach is upset and if they drink too much again, the vomiting will most likely return.
- After half an hour, it is best to give him liquid or food again but in small quantities. It is advisable to avoid fatty foods or acidic drinks, as they can further irritate the stomach.
- To lower the fever the best medicine is usually paracetamol. In any case, you should only use it under a doctor’s prescription.
- The use of probiotics is also positive, since they are good germs that grow in the intestine taking up space and fighting aggressive germs that may be causing diarrhea. We recommend that you consult your pediatrician on this matter.
- If the diarrhea and vomiting are abundant and frequent (and you are not breastfeeding), to avoid dehydration it is recommended that you take special oral rehydration fluids for each age.
- If there are no signs of dehydration, that is, you do not have a lot of vomiting or diarrhea, you can drink water.
Regarding the care of gastroenteritis in boys and girls in the diet, pay attention to the following:
- This must regenerate the intestinal mucosa and replace the nutrients that have been lost due to the intense deposition of liquids. In this sense, the European Society of Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition establishes that early feeding should be facilitated. This means restarting a child’s age-appropriate diet as soon as dehydration has been corrected.
- In the case of breastfed babies, breastfeeding should not be suspended, and more feeds should be given. With formula milk, its dissolution or the use of special formulas is not recommended.
- At first, avoid fish, fruits, lean meats, dairy products, very fatty foods, foods with a low nutritional level, very sweet or laxative foods.
