Gastroenteritis in children

Gastroenteritis (often shortened to “gastro”) is a bowel infection that causes diarrhea and sometimes vomiting. Diarrhea is runny, watery bowel motions. Vomiting may settle quickly, but diarrhea can last up to 10 days.

Bouts of gastro can cause dehydration, which can be dangerous for very young babies.

Causes#

Gastroenteritis can be caused by several things, including viruses, bacteria, bacterial toxins, parasites, certain chemicals, and some medicines. If your child gets gastro more than once, the cause may be different each time.

Infectious gastroenteritis is caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites, and is usually swallowed through food or drink. It can spread quickly. Common types include:

• Escherichia coli infection
• Campylobacter infection
• Cryptosporidium infection
• giardiasis
• salmonellosis
• shigellosis
• viral gastroenteritis

Symptoms#

Children may not have all of the symptoms, but in general the symptoms of gastroenteritis can include:

• loss of appetite
• bloating
• nausea
• vomiting
• abdominal cramps and abdominal pain
• diarrhea
• generally feeling unwell, including lethargy and body aches
• in some cases, blood or pus in the stools

Keep your child drinking#

If your child has gastroenteritis, make sure they keep drinking clear fluids. It is important for the fluids to be taken even if the diarrhea seems to get worse.

It will help if you:

• offer babies a drink every time they vomit
• give older children a drink (150–200 ml) after every big vomit or bout of diarrhea
• give small amounts of fluids often if your child is vomiting a lot (a mouthful every 15 minutes)

If you are breastfeeding, continue to do this. If you are bottle feeding, give clear fluids for the first 12 hours, then give the normal formula in smaller, more frequent amounts.

Babies under 6 months old can become ill quickly with gastro, and they need extra fluids to replace those lost through diarrhea.

Preventing dehydration#

To help prevent your child becoming dehydrated, give clear fluids such as:

• water
• diluted fruit juice (natural) – 1 tablespoon of juice to 4 tablespoons of water
• oral rehydration products available from a pharmacist – follow the instructions to make them up

Do not give medicines to reduce the vomiting or diarrhea.

When to see a doctor#

Take your child to the doctor if they:

• are very sick
• vomit often
• are not drinking
• have significant abdominal pain
• are more sleepy than usual
• show any signs of dehydration
• have blood in their bowel motions

Watch for signs of dehydration, which include:

• a dry mouth and tongue
• not passing urine (dry diapers)
• sunken eyes
• cold hands and feet

Babies under 6 months who have gastroenteritis may need extra visits to the doctor and should be checked again after 6 to 12 hours. Your doctor can advise what other steps to take.

Eating during gastroenteritis#

Your child may refuse food at first. This is not a problem as long as they keep drinking clear fluids. Doctors now suggest there is no need to restrict food when a child has gastroenteritis. Generally, if your child is hungry at any time, give them the food they normally eat.

Preventing the spread of gastroenteritis#

Good handwashing with soap and water remains the best defense against spreading gastroenteritis. You can help prevent the spread to other people if you:

• make sure everyone in the family washes their hands regularly, especially after using the toilet and before eating
• wash your child’s hands with warm water and soap after they use the toilet and before and after they eat
• wash your hands before feeding your child and after changing their diapers
• clean kitchen tops, toys, toilet seats, diaper change tables, and taps so you do not spread the infection to others at home
• keep your child away from others until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped

Do not allow your child to attend child care or school until 48 hours after their symptoms have stopped. If symptoms persist, visit your doctor.

Remember, washing hands with soap and water is the best way to prevent gastroenteritis infection. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers, while effective against some viruses, are not effective against the germs that commonly cause gastroenteritis.

Key points#

• Gastroenteritis is a bowel infection that causes diarrhea and sometimes vomiting.
• Bouts of gastro can cause dehydration, which can be dangerous for very young babies.
• If your child gets gastro more than once, the cause may be different each time.
• Infectious gastroenteritis is caused by viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
• Keep your child drinking clear fluids, even if the diarrhea seems to get worse.

Where to get help and trusted information#

For evidence-based global health guidance, see Source: World Health Organization (WHO).