Hydration key when gastroenteritis strikes
It’s pretty common for people experiencing symptoms such as diarrhea, cramps, nausea, vomiting and lowgrade fever to identify their condition in terms of a disease that doesn’t actually exist. That thing we’ve been calling “stomach flu” all these years? It’s probably gastroenteritis.
Granted, stomach flu rolls off the tongue easier, but the various flu viruses are linked respiratory infections. Gastroenteritis strikes a bit farther south than that.
Gastroenteritis causes on to have mild to severe abdominal pain. It is usually caused by a viral, bacterial, or parasitic infection. Also, unlike many ailments, it doesn’t tend to be seasonal.
When you encounter gastroenteritis some healthcare providers will recommend you to undergo the BRAT diet: bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. The purpose of the diet is to allow the stomach to reduce the amount of stool production.
Experts like Dr. Lwbba G. Chait, board-certified pediatrician working at the Pioneers Children’s Health Center, disagrees with this approach. “The BRAT diet is too restrictive, unless the foods are part of the child’s regular diet, is not recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.”
The BRAT diet is low in fiber, protein and fat, she explained. This is not always the best option for children who are ill.
Parents need to assure their child is getting enough rest, fluids to avoid dehydration. They should avoid aspirin, antidiarrheal products, antibiotics (unless prescribed by a physician) and herbal supplements.
“The most common complication of severe gastroenteritis is dehydration (too little fluid in the body), which occurs when a lot of fluid is lost in vomit and stool. Children who are slightly dehydrated are thirsty, but seriously dehydrated children become listless, irritable or sluggish,” said Chait. “Infants are much more likely than older children to become dehydrated and develop serious side effects. Infants who are dehydrated need medical care right away.”
If your child has fever, has had diarrhea longer than 24 hours or has been vomiting longer than 24 hours you should seek medical attention right away.
“Danger signs of dehydration in infants that require immediate medical care include the following: soft spot on the head and/or the eyes are sunken; there are no tears when they cry; dry mouth; are not producing much urine (less than one wet diaper every three to four hours), and have reduced alertness and energy,” Chait said.
Gastroenteritis can often be treated at home, too, Chait said. An important thing do if you think you are undergoing gastroenteritis is to hydrate yourself. You can do so by drinking over the counter rehydration solutions, such as Pedialyte, Gatorade or Powerade.
“Children should receive rapid oral rehydration (within three to four hours of symptom onset). In infants who are breastfed, breastfeeding should continue, and infants who are formula-fed, diluting the formula is not recommended,” said Chait. “Special formulas usually are not needed. As soon as the dehydration is corrected, a regular diet should resume.”