Children with acute gastroenteritis is a common clinical problem. The disease is usually categorize into two mainstream; viral gastroenteritis and bacterial gastroenteritis. The former refers to enterovirus, Norwalk virus or rotavirus, among these the most common rotavirus will cause diarrhea in children, and usually in 7-24 months infants. Almost all children before age of 5, will have at least one rotavirus infection, with exception some even have five or six infections. The latter, Salmonella and E. coli.  These diseases come in many types, mostly harmless, but there are several types of E.coli can cause acute gastroenteritis in newborn, the infection is often spread through inside the nursery. This condition can be related to the milk bottle sterilization procedures. As the children's body resistance (against disease) is weak which can easily infected with gastroenteritis virus.

Bacteria usually enters the body through the hand, and lead to intestinal diseases like gastrointestinal. Patients will vomit, fever, abdominal pain or diarrhea, as long as no dehydration can be cured naturally, only a few cases lead to complications, such as: seizures, necrotizing enterocolitis, aseptic meningitis, etc. Doctor point out children under the age of 5 should avoid antidiarrheal drugs, because these drugs will stop intestinal peristalsis, which can cause serious blood poisoning. Recommended if the symptoms of gastroenteritis should seek early treatment, especially infants, young children, the elderly, the disabled and people with weakened immune function.

How to care for children with acute gastroenteritis:

Many cases with baby just a few month old, after contracted with the disease , appear their body ability to absorb milk is decrease. In such cases, the concentration of milk should dilute abit or brewing the lactose free milk with description for stopping diarrihea.

To avoid more serious diarrhea it is advise the child should have an empty stomach temporarily which will calm down the tract; also can feed rice soup, according to the situation, gradually add more flour made food.

Age 7-8 months and up old baby can eat well cooked rice porridge or plain noodles, or eat soft toast, steamed bun and bread.

To older kids, eating should mainly keep it simple and light, this could help their digestive system to recovered faster.

The more serious diarrhea and vomiting situation is, the more these children need water, giving them to drink oral rehydration solution (ORS) could help stop dehydration.

Diarrhea children, should stop eating oily and too sweet food.

Whether patients are adults or children, the main purpose of treatment is to prevent severe loss of fluids (dehydration). Unless directed by a doctor, otherwise should avoid the use of antibiotics (no effect on viral infection) or other medicines to control the disease.

Prevention Tips

Before handling food or eating, after using the toilet, and handling vomitus or excrements must wash both hands thoroughly after;

Immediately with 1:49 diluted household bleach wash and disinfect contaminated areas and items;

Sick children should stay home and not go to school;

Maintain good indoor ventilation

Eat only thoroughly cooked food.