Gastro
Gastro
Gastroenteritis is common in kids, often it’s called a tummy bug, the stomach flu or gastro. It’s usually caused by a virus that spreads quickly and many children will get gastro more than once.
General signs and symptoms
- diarrhoea (runny poos)
- vomiting
- tummy pain
- not wanting to eat
- fever
Management at home
Encouraging children to drink is extremely important especially if you see any signs of dehydration. Offer small amounts of fluid regularly.
- protect skin from diarrhoea - change nappies as soon as they become dirty, and make sure their bottom is fully clean and dry before applying a thick layer of barrier cream.
- keep a close eye - children get sick quickly from gastro
Babies under 6 months
- offer breastmilk or formula very frequently, do not offer water.
- for any signs of dehydration give 5ml of formula/expressed milk or offer breast every 5 minutes
Children over 6 months
- offer milk to babies under 12 months
- best fluids for children over 12 months - apple juice mixed with equal parts water, rehydration fluids or ice blocks
- any signs of dehydration - aim for 5ml of fluid every minute or 1/4 cup every 15 minutes
- offer plain food (babies over 12 months) - simple starches are best
When to seek help
All babies under 6 months need to be seen by a doctor urgently if they have any signs of gasto.
See your family doctor if your child’s diarrhoea continues for more than 10 days.
When to see a doctor urgently
- yellow or green vomit
- refuses to drink anything
- fewer wet nappies or has not had a wet nappy for over 6 hours
- there is blood or mucus in their stool
When showing signs of moderate/severe dehydration
- no wet nappy or pee for over 6 hours
- sleepy or difficult to wake
- sunken eyes, no tears when crying
- cold hands and feet and mottled bluish skin
When to call an ambulance
- sudden and severe abdominal pain or a swollen stomach
- if a child is pale, floppy has changes to consciousness levels or is unresponsive