Gastroenteritis or ‘Gastro’, is the term used to describe an infection in the digestive tract.
Most gastro is caused by a virus which is caught from other people.
A less frequent cause is Food Poisoning.
Bacteria gets into food (especially milk) because of poor hygiene during its preparation, or because prepared food has been kept in a warm place for to long before eating it, allowing bacteria to grow.
When organism first attaches to the wall of the gut it causes vomiting which may last for 4-6 hrs. The bowel motions will became loose and watery (diarrhoea, runs), Which can go for 3 or more days.
Other symptoms that could be present include;
n Rumbling in the stomach
n Abdominal pain or cramps
n Fever
The main risk in gastro, is that children can became dehydrated very quickly and this can be life threatening. It can also cause damage to the bowel lining making it intolerant to milk and fatty products.
Warning signs of dehydration are;
n More than 10 loose motions in one day
n 10 hours or more without passing urine
n Decreased skin elasticity
n Drowsiness or floppy child
n Fontanelle sunken more than usual
n Sunken eyes or shadows under the eyes
n Rapid or slow breathing
n Very dry mouth and tongue
Management of gastro;
n continue breast feeding but if bottle feed replace milk or formula with a clear fluids
n Give plenty of clear fluids, you can also use a re-hydration solution, this must be made strictly as directed- ask your pharmacist
n After vomiting has settled, continue clear fluids and offer light foods eg; dry biscuits, jelly, grated apple, cooked mashed vegetables
n Slowly return to normal foods after a few days
Do Not give children under the age of 2 years any type of anti- diarrhoeal medication
While your child is sick;
n Do not have milk or any milk products
n Do not have raw fruit and vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals or any fried foods
n Do not let your child mix with other children(very contagious, can be passed on very easily )
n Do not keep milk or formula warm for hours until its needed
Important habits to follow;
n Washing of hands after going to the toilet
n Cool made up and sterilized formula quickly by putting it straight in the fridge
n Always throw away any left over formula
n Sterilize baby’s bottles, dummies and everything used in measuring, mixing or storing made up juice or water
If a small child has vomited several times without keeping anything down, or if you are worried that your child may be dehydrated, contact your family Doctor straight away......
Hope this helps........
(March 2007) (
Lexi xxx
