If my child has gastroenteritis, I probably already know just how miserable he or she feels right now. These 5 tips will help your child feel better fast, but it’s important to remember that recovery may take days or even weeks depending on the severity of the illness and the child’s overall health. If your child has been diagnosed with gastroenteritis, make sure you keep an eye out for these symptoms and contact your doctor if you notice any of them.
My child Has Gastroenteritis
1) Diagnose the illness
The first step is to of course, diagnose the illness. gastroenteritis is usually marked by watery diarrhea, vomiting, and nausea. Other symptoms may include a loss of appetite, stomach cramps, and a fever. If your child is experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to take them to see a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosing early will help you and your child feel better sooner. Rest: Rest can be difficult for children with gastroenteritis because they are often not hungry or thirsty, but this is very important to recover. Encourage them to rest when they can while they are not feeling well and make sure they drink plenty of fluids throughout the day. Make sure that there is someone around to look after them who doesn’t have gastroenteritis themselves.
Medication: It might also be worth considering medication if the above tips don’t seem to work in your situation. There are medications available over-the-counter that can stop the diarrhea and give relief from stomach cramps, vomiting, and other uncomfortable symptoms related to gastroenteritis.
In addition, there are many types of antibiotics available at pharmacies that can provide relief for adults who get sick with gastroenteritis; always consult a doctor before taking medication so they can advise on which type would be best for you or your child’s needs.
2) Treat your child
If your child is over six months old, you can give them small sips of an electrolyte solution like Pedialyte to help prevent dehydration. You can also give them the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) which will help soothe their stomach and stop the diarrhea.
Make sure they’re getting plenty of rest and give them ibuprofen or acetaminophen for the fever and pain. Finally, keep an eye on them for signs of dehydration like sunken eyes, dry mouth, or decreased urination. If they show any of these signs, take them to the doctor immediately.
Children under six months old should be seen by a doctor right away because they have weaker immune systems than older children and may need more intensive treatment. And always call the doctor if your child’s symptoms get worse or do not improve after 48 hours. While it might seem tough when your little one is sick, there are many ways to make them feel better quickly. Follow these tips and remember that you’re doing the best thing for your child.
3) Take care of yourself
As a parent, it’s easy to get wrapped up in taking care of your sick child and forget about your own health. Remember to take care of yourself, too. Get plenty of rest, drink lots of fluids, and eat healthy foods. If you’re feeling run down, chances are you’re more likely to get sick, too. And that’s the last thing you want! – Drink lots of fluids: Stay hydrated by drinking lots of water or other liquids such as juice or Gatorade. Plain tea is also great for replacing lost electrolytes. Avoid drinks with caffeine or alcohol as they can irritate your stomach.
– Stay away from dairy products: Dairy products like milk, cheese, ice cream and yogurt contain lactose which may make diarrhea worse. Foods containing lactose should be avoided until the symptoms go away (about 48 hours). That includes anything with whey (a protein found in dairy) or casein (another protein found in dairy). Dairy alternatives such as soy milk or almond milk are also good substitutes for these items during this time period.
4) Know when to call the doctor
Parents always want what is best for their children, and when they are sick, we want them to get better as fast as possible. It can be difficult to know when your child’s symptoms warrant a call to the doctor. Here are five tips to help you know when it’s time to make that call.
1. If your child is under six months old and has a fever, it’s time to call the doctor.
2. If your child has a severe headache or stiff neck along with their fever, it’s time for a call.
3. If your child is vomiting and can’t keep down fluids, it’s vital to call the doctor and have them seen.
4. If your child is acting strangely in any way- hyperactive, lethargic, overly irritable- it’s worth getting them checked out.
5. Call the doctor if there is blood in the vomit or stool or if there is dark bowel movements (that aren’t due to food coloring). The worst thing about having gastroenteritis is how awful it makes our little ones feel. Follow these tips to help them feel better more quickly and find relief from those awful symptoms!
5) Follow up with the doctor
As soon as your child starts showing symptoms of gastroenteritis, it’s important to follow up with their doctor. In most cases, the virus will run its course and your child will start to feel better within a few days. However, there are some serious cases where hospitalization may be necessary. In either case, it’s important to get professional medical advice to ensure that your child is on the road to recovery. Below are five tips to help your child feel better fast:
1) Drink plenty of fluids. Children can drink such as Pedialyte or Gatorade when they’re dehydrated due to vomiting or diarrhea. Other times they can drink a cool beverage (such as water or fruit juice) that’s not too cold and doesn’t contain caffeine or alcohol. Never give them caffeinated drinks because this can make dehydration worse by causing excessive urination.
