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GASTROENTERITIS
Gastroenteritis is the most common cause of diarrhoea and vomiting. It
is usually mild and often settles within 48 hours , but gastroenteritis
can be serious ,especially for babies and young children. The main
danger is dehydration.
Dehydration occurs when fluids lost from the body are not replaced.
Diarrhoea and vomiting cause abnormal losses of fluid. Treatment is
designed to replace fluids quickly before dehydration develops. Again
the effects of dehydration are more serious in young children and
babies.
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Signs of dehydration |
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Passing less urine, or dry nappies |
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Dry mouth |
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sunken eyes and no tears |
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Drowsiness and irritability |
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Inelastic skin that stands when pinched |
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Sunken Fontanelle (soft part at the top of
baby's head) |
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The
latter two signs are generally better gauged
by a doctor. If any of these signs are present, or if your baby refuses
fluids, continues to vomit, or has bad diarrhoea , you should consult
your doctor.
Treatment
Unlike some other conditions, antibiotics are not used, and may in fact
worsen the condition. Other medications used for adults are not suitable
for children. |
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Rest the bowel. Stop all milk products and solids for 24 hours.
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Replace Fluids. Clear fluids given by
mouth is the most important part of treatment. The ideal solution is
boiled water which has been allowed to cool with added sachets of
sugar/salt powder (one sachet per 200mls of
water) which are available at your chemist. |
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It may
be necessary to give small amounts of fluids frequently, eg a dessert
spoon every 10 minutes. Babies with gastroenteritis will need
about 200 mls per kg body weight in the first 24 hours. If in doubt,
give more fluid rather than less, especially if the baby is very
thirsty.
Breast feeding can continue during an episode of gastroenteritis. It is
also important to keep a check on temperature. A raised temperature will
make a child irritable and cause more fluid loss by evaporation. Give
Paracetamol and keep the child cool if the
temperature is up. |