Sever stomach ache with vomits and diarrhea in addition to loss of appetite are the common symptoms seen in children with gastroenteritis. This is usually caused by viral or bacterial infection. Gastroenteritis or Stomach flu treatment for kids is compiled to help you check for symptoms and treat your child effectively. Stomach bugs are common in school age children and may infect every season. The virus from contaminated water through oro-fecal transmissions reaches the stomach and causes the flu. It is an infection of the stomach and intestine. This stays for around 10 days, but the first few days are worst for children and parents alike. As during this time vomits and diarrhea are uncontrolled.
Stomach flu symptoms in children include:
1- Stomach ache
2- Nausea
3- Vomiting
4- Diarrhea
5- Headache
6- Low to mild fever
7- Muscle cramps
8- Abdominal pain
9- Loss of appetite
10- Weak and inactive child
Stomach Flu Treatment for Kid includes:
1- Giving lots of fluids to the child:
The biggest worry from stomach flu is dehydration. Since the episodes of vomit and diarrhea are so prominent there are chances of dehydration. So try and keep the child hydrated by offering few spoons of water every 5-8 minutes. If the child refuses to try some power drinks like Gatorade or Powerade. Also keep giving Pedialyte to replenish the lost salts and minerals in the body. Stick with clear liquids until vomits stop. Also try for ice chips if the child is not taking any of the above.
2- BRAT diet or the stomach flu diet:
BRAT diet includes Banana Rice Apple sauce and Toast. Do not give anything until first 16-24 hours. The first day must be off solids or liquid foods, but keep giving plenty of water. Start BRAT after the vomits have stopped and the child has not thrown up for more than 8 hours. BRAT diet is your go-to when it comes to upset stomach. These foods are light, easy to digest and rich in nutrients which are needed the most at this time.
3- Rest and relax:
Put your child to bed and let her relax as much possible. Do not let the kid play or work, as this may adversely affect the symptoms. And further actuate the pain. While sleeping the body fights the infection in a better way. And this is required to bring the child back to routine. Also, after vomits and diarrhea the child may not have ample strength to sit upright for long.
4- Medicines:
Stomach flu can not be cured by medicines. Do not give any OTC medicine to your child without consulting the pediatrician. It may further actuate the condition. Acetaminophen or ibuprofen may be taken, but only after consulting your health care provider.
5- Caffeine free ginger tea:
Some tea without caffeine are known to help cure most kinds of stomach flu. Also ginger and peppermint may help calm the stomach and replenish the lost minerals. But check with your pediatrician before proceeding with tea.
6- Apple cider vinegar:
Apple cider vinegar is an age old remedy believed to help in treating nausea and upset tummy. Just consult your healthcare provider before opting for your child’s specific condition and allergies.
Foods to avoid when your child has stomach flu: This is the most critical part as more often we confuse with regular Flu diet and stomach Flu diet. Do not mix this with influenza.
1- Avoid dairy and dairy products
As it is hard for the body to digest dairy while infected with stomach flu and it also causes acid refluxes.
2- Oily and greasy foods:
Avoid these fatty-spicy foods as they are heavy and makes the stomach full which may cause further unease and bloating.
3- Caffeine:
Avoid caffeine as it is a diuretic and it causes urination. And fluids need to be contained within the body during stomach flu to prevent dehydration.
4- Fiber rich fruits and vegetables:
Ususally, fiber rich foods are recommended, but during stomach flu they must not be given as they are hard on the stomach. These fibers enhance bowels, but during diarrhea entire bowel mechanism is disturbed already.
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5- Processed foods:
Processed foods are packed with fats, sugars and artificial colors. They can aggravate the already disturbed stomach and worsen vomits or diarrhea.
6- Sugar:
Sugars can result in rising blood sugar levels in the body and also they are fat inducing. So avoid them completely.
7- Gluten:
Though gluten is rich in protein but gluten can cause bloating and diarrhea also upset the stomach further. So avoid them uptil the stomach clears off the viral infection.
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How to prevent stomach flu:
Seasonal changes and school or day care exposure makes stomach flu a widely prevalent infection among kids. Kids may even have it every time the spring season or fall season ends. This is the time when viral infections occur most. Stomach flu is different from Influenza and the vaccination for this Flu does not help in stomach flu. There are some precautionary measures on how to prevent stomach flu:
1- Avoid close contact with infected children since it is a highly contagious disease
2- Wash hands with soap every few hours
3- Avoind sanitizer and instead use soap as during infections, most germs are not killed by the sanitizer
4- Wipe the areas at shopping centres and public places with antibacterial wipes. Shopping carts are the worst culprits.
5- Keep the home neat and clean and wash utensils and clothes more often, also keep kitchen countertop clean and use disinfectant spray.
While there is’nt anything much we as parents can do, to cure stomach flu. But there are preventive measure which we must adopt and ensure.
The above compilation on Stomach Flu Treatment for Kids is based on readings and experiences over time. These are drafted to help you identify and treat stomach flu in your kids and prevent the worsening factors. See your pediatrician immediately for the symptoms may be be for any other condition.
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Minu Manisha
