The "Stomach Flu" or gastroenteritis is a viral illness with frequent vomiting and diarrhea. This is the most frequent illness we are encountering this week on the phone, in the office, and on call at night. Many viruses are implicated in the etiology of gastroenteritis.
Initially, your child will start with repetitive vomiting for 3-6 hours then progress to diarrhea and intermittent vomiting.
This illness is a VIRUS and there is NO TREATMENT but TIME, FLUIDS, AND PATIENCE. Do not panic.
These are the symptoms that constitute an urgent situation and warrant a phone call and a possible appointment with the doctor. The symptoms below are not common with uncomplicated gastroenteritis. ↓
· No urine in 6-8 hours
· Significant blood in vomit/stool
· Your child is UNAROUSABLE
· Fever >72 hours
Your child needs fluids, but first you need to wait until 1 hour after vomiting has stopped. Spoonfuls, dropperfuls, cups, bottles of clear liquids such as electrolyte solutions (Pedialyte, Kaolectrolyte, Gerber Liquilytes) are best. Breast milk is best for nursing babies. Your child will want to gulp, do not let him. Other alternatives to oral electrolytes are half strength clear fruit juice, half strength jello water, 7-up or Ginger ale with the bubbles stirred out, or Gatorade. Water is not tolerated as well as the above liquids.
If your child has not vomited in 3-4 hours you can slowly reintroduce solid foods. Crackers, cereal, bananas other simple carbohydrates then progressing to the normal diet slowly. Fluids are the priority; do not worry if your child is refusing solids. Your child will eat when symptoms improve.
Do not give your child Pepto Bismol or Imodium. This is not recommended.
Most children do not need to be seen for an appointment because there is no treatment.
Children who are significantly dehydrated and cannot tolerate any fluid for an extended period may need to go to the emergency room for intravenous hydration.
Symptoms of diarrhea may last longer than two weeks, but the illness will gradually improve over time.
Please visit our website for more information and a plan for rehydration for gastroenteritis or "stomach flu".
