Advice: Gastroenteritis

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Suite #100 Rockville, MD 20850

Gastroenteritis (Stomach bug)

Gastroenteritis basics

Gastroenteritis or the “stomach flu” is an infection caused by a variety of viruses that lead to vomiting and/or diarrhea.
Symptoms begin 1-2 days after exposure to illness and usually last for 24-48 hours. However, some symptoms may linger for 7-10 days. It is common for stools to be looser than normal following gastroenteritis. Some children will also develop constipation as their stools start to return to normal.
Viruses are spread through direct contact with stool or saliva or by consuming contaminated food or drink.
Testing is not necessary unless the course of illness is longer than expected or if there is blood in the stools.
Antibiotics are never needed for viral infections and are rarely necessary for bacterial infections.

Treatment

The most important goal is to maintain a child's hydration status by encouraging clear fluids.
Offer fluids in small amounts if continuing to vomit, as slow as 5 ml every 3-5 min by syringe.
If a child is able to tolerate solid foods, stick to bland and starchy foods that will soak up fluids through their GI tract.
If unable to tolerate solid foods, then use Pedialyte or Oral Rehydration Solution - other options include soup broth, diluted juices, diluted milk, or popsicles.
Monitor number of wet diapers; a younger child should maintain 4 wet diapers per day and older child should void at least 3-4 times per day

When to seek care

When to go to the Emergency Departent

Additional Resrouces

Potomac Pediatrics will always be fully focused on helping your child and you to overcome any healthcare hurdle, with innovative, comprehensive and compassionate care.