Gastroenteritis is a common ailment in daily life. Its onset not only causes physical discomfort but can even threaten one's life. So, if a child develops gastroenteritis, do parents know how to recognize the symptoms?
Symptoms of Gastroenteritis in Babies
1. Diarrhea: Onset is sudden, with frequent nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and frequent watery stools. Stools may contain undigested food, small amounts of mucus, or even blood.
2. Fever: Often accompanied by fever, headache, general malaise, and varying degrees of toxic symptoms.
3. Nausea and vomiting: Severe vomiting and diarrhea may lead to dehydration, acidosis, or even shock.
4. Abdominal cramps and tenderness: Physical signs are often subtle, with tenderness in the upper abdomen and around the navel. No muscle rigidity or rebound tenderness is present, and bowel sounds are typically hyperactive.
5. Loss of appetite and restlessness.
5. Loss of appetite, irritability, and restlessness.
Care for Infant Gastroenteritis
Avoid chicken soup: Children recovering from gastroenteritis should not consume chicken soup, as its high protein and fat content may exacerbate diarrhea and hinder recovery.
Avoid egg custard: Egg custard is also high in protein. During recovery, a child's digestive function remains weak, so consuming egg custard can burden the stomach and lead to symptoms like vomiting.
Avoid noodles: Noodles, not fermented with yeast, are difficult to digest. Consuming them during recovery from gastroenteritis can cause stomach discomfort and worsen the condition.
Consume plain congee or lotus root starch: These carbohydrate-rich foods are easily digestible and help protect gastrointestinal function.