This is a list of ailments and conditions that may affect you or your family at certain stages of life. Here you will find information such as the symptoms, and the best way to relieve the situation until a medical professional has been called.
Gastroenteritis is a combination of diarrhoea and vomiting. It is usually caused
by viruses, such as rotavirus, but may also be due to bacteria such as salmonella, E-coli and campylobacter from contaminated food.
Gastroenteritis often starts suddenly and, although a mild attack may settle within 48 hours, it can be longer. Diarrhoea and vomiting can be dangerous in babies and young children due to the risk of dehydration through the loss of essential fluid and salts.
Good food hygiene is an important method of helping to avoid gastroenteritis, particularly caused by bacteria.
Because this illness can be dangerous for babies and young children if they become dehydrated, you should consult your doctor or NHS Direct.
How you can help:
Give frequent small drinks of fluids, i.e. milk, water or oral rehydration solution.
Give a dose of infant paracetamol or ibuprofen, suitable for your child's age, if your child has a fever or is in pain.
More on Gastroenteritis
Several viruses can cause gastroenteritis, but rotavirus is the most common cause in young children. In addition to diarrhoea and vomiting, a young child may develop fever and tummy pains from the virus.
The diarrhoea and vomiting of rotavirus infection can lead to dehydration. As a parent or carer, you can help reduce this risk by offering your child fluids - little and often - to replace those they have lost through vomiting and diarrhoea.
Rotavirus is very infectious and almost unavoidable in childhood.Washing your hands and your child's hands with soap and water after nappy changes or after visiting the toilet, can help limit the spread of the virus. For more information on understanding Rotavirus click heree
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