Baby gastroenteritis

Baby Gastroenteritis occurs when there is inflammation of the
stomach and intestine, causing vomiting and diarrhoea. The problem
is usually due to an infection by a virus, bacteria or a food borne
toxin. Gastroenteritis is often a general diagnosis given to
conditions which have similar symptoms and may be an indication of
food allergy or food intolerance.

DESCRIPTION

Baby Gastroenteritis is usually caused by infection from the
hands of a parent, carer or sibling. Occasionally contaminated
formulas or feeding supplies may be the cause. The baby experiences
diarrhoea and vomiting, and may become seriously ill if untreated.
The stools may be watery, blood-stained or streaked with mucus and
continue frequently even if the baby hasn’t been fed recently.
Remember the stools of breast-fed babies often resemble those of
diarrhoea. If you are uncertain about the appearance of your baby’s
stool seek medical advice.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

• Sudden onset of vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
• Dehydration: dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes and fontanelle
  (soft spot) and decreased skin elasticity.
• Lethargy or irritability.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Children who contract Gastroenteritis can become dehydrated
quickly due to a loss of fluid. Babies and young children are most
at risk. See your Doctor for a correct diagnosis and the latest
advice on treatment.

• Fluid replacement is essential whilst vomiting and diarrhoea
  are occurring. Special oral rehydration solutions may be
  recommended by your Doctor or Pharmacist. For babies, make up the
  oral rehydration solution using freshly boiled and cooled water and
  make sure the bottle or cup has been sterilised before use.
• Babies who are being breast fed should continue to be given
  breastmilk.
• If your baby is on formula feeds, continue feeding your baby
  and ask your Doctor for advice.
• Fluids which are NOT suitable for rehydration include tea
  (regular or herbal), fruit juice, flat or fizzy soft drink, sport
  drinks or boiled milk.
• Infants who are eating solid foods can be encouraged to eat
  regularly as soon as their vomiting is under control. There is no
  evidence to suggest that not permitting a child to eat will shorten
  their episodes of diarrhoea. Simple foods that are high in
  carbohydrates, such as bread, rice, or pasta, are recommended.
• Babies with gastroenteritis should not attend daycare for 48
  hours after the last episode of vomiting or diarrhoea.

PREVENTION

Gastroenteritis is nearly always spread from one person to the
next by the hands. Hand cleanliness is the most important goal for
prevention of this illness.

• Any child or adult with diarrhoea or vomiting should be kept
  separate from others until well. 
• Hands must be washed with soap and water after using the
  toilet, helping a child use the toilet, and changing nappies.
• Children should be taught to wash their hands after toileting
  and before playing with a baby.
• All people should wash hands before and after meal preparation
  and eating.
• Disinfect toys, bathrooms and food preparation surfaces
  daily. 
• Use nappies with waterproof outer covers that can contain
  liquid stool or urine.

PHARMACIST’S ADVICE

Ask your Pharmacist for advice. 

1. Ask your Pharmacist about suitable oral rehydration solutions
   to replace fluid and electrolytes. Dehydration can be fatal.
   Symptoms can worsen quickly in an infant, therefore it is important
   to have your child examined by a Doctor if symptoms persist.
2. Acidophilus powder and a daily 10 mg zinc supplement may help
   restore normal bowel flora and reduce the severity and duration of
   acute vomiting and diarrhoea in young children.
3. Ask your Pharmacist for an anti-bacterial soap or wash to
   control bacteria levels on the hands.