Medications are typically not necessary for stopping vomiting or diarrhoea, except in hospital settings. Certain medications for adults are dangerous for children.
Antibiotics are not needed for viral infections and are reserved for severe bacterial cases.
Oral Rehydration Therapy
ORT is effective in managing vomiting and diarrhoea. It involves:
- Administering an oral electrolyte solution, available at pharmacies, precisely mixed as per instructions below.
- For the first six hours, ensure your child receives the recommended solution amount based on age:
- Under 6 months: 60–90 mL (12–18 teaspoons) per hour
- 6 months to 2 years: 90–125 mL (18–25 teaspoons) per hour
- Over 2 years: 125–250 mL (4–8 ounces) per hour
- Continue breastfeeding if applicable.
- For vomiting, offer 5 mL (1 teaspoon) of liquid every 1-5 minutes.
- As the child improves, increase the volume and decrease the frequency.
- After 24 hours, provide the solution after each episode of watery diarrhea.
Diet management for children with gastroenteritis
A nutritious diet plays a crucial role in combating infection, healing the digestive system and preventing weight loss in children with gastroenteritis.
When vomiting occurs: Pause solid foods for six to 12 hours if your child is vomiting. Once vomiting subsides, you can gradually reintroduce solid foods.
If diarrhoea Is present: Continue to feed your child even with diarrhoea. Offer small, preferred food portions every three to four hours.
Recommended dietary choices
- Appropriate foods
- Breast milk, regular milk or formula milk (for infants who have not been weaned); do not further dilute the milk
- Starchy food such as rice, potatoes, noodles, toast and crackers
- Cereal such as rice or wheat cereal and oatmeal
- Protein such as boiled or baked meat, fish, chicken, soy products and eggs
- Cooked vegetables and fruits (avoid high-fibre or very sweet fruits)
- Soup
- Foods to avoid
- Fruit juice or soft drinks
- Ice cream, fatty foods, spicy foods