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AUSTRALIAN GASTROENTEROLOGY INSTITUTE (educational arm of the Gastroenterological Society of Australia) Website: www.gesa.org.au This brochure is promoted as a public service by the Digestive Health Foundation. The leaflet cannot be completely comprehensive and is intended as a guide only. The information given here is current at the time of printing, but may change in the future. If you have any further questions you should raise them with your own doctor. GASTROENTERITIS What is Gastroenteritis? It is an infection of the gut causing diarrhoea and sometimes vomiting and fever. Vomiting usually settles quickly but diarrhoea may last 3-10 days. Vomiting and diarrhoea cause loss of fluid, which can quickly lead to your child becoming dry (dehydrated). Babies and young children are at most risk. What Causes Gastroenteritis? That cause is usually a virus, but sometimes it is caused by bacteria. In bacterial infection the diarrhoea may contain blood and mucus. How Should I Treat It? Replacement of fluid it most important. Encourage your child to drink and offer them more fluid than usual to replace losses. The more diarrhoea and vomiting there is, the more fluid they need. Fluids do not cure vomiting and diarrhoea, but they do prevent dehydration. What Fluid is Best? Oral electrolyte solutions e.g. Gastrolyte or Repalyte New Formulation. These are specially designed drinks to replace fluids and body salts lost in gastroenteritis. You can buy Gastrolyte over the counter from the chemist or get Repalyte New Formulation on prescription. Mix the sachet of oral electrolyte solution powder with water, not other kinds of fluids. It is important to follow the instructions on the packet: 1 sachet of Gastrolyte or Repalyte + 200ml water Oral electrolyte solutions come in several flavours and tastes better if chilled. If you are breastfeeding, offer more frequent breast feeds and offer babies boiled water between feeds. Are There Safe Alternatives? If your child refuses to drink the oral electrolyte solution here are some safe alternatives: Diluted Cordial: 10ml + 150ml water Diluted soft drink e.g. lemonade: 50ml + 150ml water Diluted fruit juices: 50ml + 150ml water * Do not use low calorie or diet drinks Unsafe Drinks DO NOT GIVE undiluted fruit juice, fizzy drinks e.g. lemonade, cordial or Lucozade. They may increase diarrhoea and dehydration. What About Food? We no longer think it is necessary to restrict food. Some children don't feel like eating but if your child is hungry let them eat. Breast Fed Babies Continue to breast feed and offer the breast more often. Offer water (boiled if baby is under 6 months) between feeds. Bottle/Formula Fed Babies Offer oral electrolyte solution or safe fluids as recommended above. You can continue normal strength formula or milk if your child is hungry. If you withhold formula for more than 24 hours the baby may lose weight. What About Medicines? Drugs to stop diarrhoea and vomiting are not necessary. They may cause serious side effects and prolong the illness. Rarely, antibiotics will be needed and will be prescribed by your doctor. Should I See The Doctor? See your doctor if you are worried, if your child looks unwell or has: Frequent vomiting and is unable to keep anything down Brown or green (bile) vomit Lots of watery diarrhoea Increasing diarrhoea Diarrhoea containing blood Severe stomach pain High fever Or is: Under 6 months of age Difficult to wake How Can I Stop Children Getting Gastroenteritis? Wash your hands after changing nappies and using the toilet and before preparing food. Brown or green (bile) vomitStore raw meat and chicken in a covered container or in the bottom of the fridge so juices don't contaminate other foods. Cook meat products well and avoid raw/rare meat for young children. Clean and sterilise babies' bottles. Keep sick children at home, away from others until symptoms have completely gone. Keep well children away from others with diarrhoea or vomiting. Take special care with babies and young children - they are most at risk. Breast feed - it protects against infection.