How to Treat Gastroenteritis in Children

Gastroenteritis is an infection of the intestines caused by a range of viruses and bacteria. It is common in young children, with many experiencing repeated episodes within a year. In some cases it cures itself in a few days. Look for gastroenteritis symptoms such as fever, stomachache, vomiting or diarrhea. Monitor the child, in addition, for infrequent urination, dry mouth, weight loss or irritability, which can be symptoms of dehydration. Be aware that vomiting may only last a few days, whereas diarrhea can last two weeks.



Consult your doctor for treatment advice in specific cases.

Things You'll Need

• Disinfectant spray and cleaner
• Disposable rubber gloves
• Hand sanitizer
• Over-the-counter medication to reduce fever
• Ice packs
• Rehydration solution
• Bananas
• Rice
• Applesauce
• Toast

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Instructions

• 1

  Keep the infected child separate from other people to avoid spreading a virus. Insist on hand washing after using the toilet. Disinfect any surfaces the infected child touches.

• 2

  Treat the infected child with fluids to lessen diarrhea and avoid dehydration. Use either flavored or unflavored oral rehydration solutions, which can be purchased from a pharmacy. Give the child white grape juice if he cannot tolerate the recommended solution. Avoid soft drinks, water, tea or chicken broth, which are not helpful for this condition, according to KeepKidsHealthy.com.

• 3

  Provide the child with extra fluids if she has a large watery diarrhea but less if she is vomiting. For diarrhea, feed her the BRAT diet, which includes bananas, rice, apple and toast, as soon as she can tolerate these. Try small amounts of milk until she can handle more.

• 4

  Check continually for dehydration if the child vomits repeatedly. If you suspect dehydration, wait a while and then try to give him small amounts of fluids. Use a medicine dropper of the oral rehydration solution at short intervals. Increase these slowly until the vomiting subsides, and then reinstitute the child's normal diet from before his bout with gastroenteritis.

• 5

  Contact a pediatrician immediately for advice if the child vomits blood or if the diarrhea is still present after two weeks. Take the child to the doctor's office if she has fever, headache, a bad stomachache or continual vomiting.