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Acute
Gastroenteritis
Kristin
Wong & Cara Kerr, Baylor University Louise Herrington School of Nursing
Definition
of Acute Gastroenteritis:
A common infection of the stomach and intestines usually causing diarrhea
(increased amount and number of watery bowel movements)
- The big problem is
that the child is losing a lot of water (dehydration)
- Dehydration from
diarrhea is a leading cause of death and illness in children worldwide
Causes
- A virus, bacterium,
or parasite
- Spread from person
to person through oral contact with human feces or contaminated water or
food (unwashed vegetables, unpasteurized milk, and uncooked meat)
Prevention
- Basic hygiene, such
good handwashing
- A good, balanced diet
- Clean food preparation
- Breastfeeding can
boost the baby’s immune system to help to protect from infection
- Prevent spreading
diarrhea to other children by keeping your child out of contact with other
children (especially day care) until the diarrhea subsides
- Rotavirus vaccine
is recommended for all infants to help prevent infection
Treatment
- Lots of fluids, especially
Gatorade-type drinks, Pedialyte, or a homemade rehydration drink
- Homemade rehydration
drink: 200 ml water (3/4 cup), 2 teaspoons sugar, 1/8 teaspoon salt. You
can add a little lemon juice or Kool-ade. Adding a spoon of infant rice
cereal improves the drink.
- Acetaminophen for
fever or discomfort
Come to the clinic
or Emergency Department if your child has…
- Decreased intake
or not keeping it down
- Not urinated for
8 or more hours
- Sunken eyes
- No tears
- Lack of energy
- Fever of 101.8 or
more
- Dry mucus membranes
(mouth)