Gastroenteritis - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

Overview

• Gastroenteritis is inflammation of stomach and intestines
• Can affect- any one, any age, any time
• Symptoms prominent in children
• Depending on cause, it may last for a day or a week 
• Use of drugs like aspirin can increase the risk

Causes

• Bacteria contaminated food / water
• Viral infection
• Stress
• Irregular/ improper diet
• Tobacco or substance abuse
• Reaction to a new food
• Reaction to medication

Symptoms

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Cramps/Abdominal pain
• Dehydration
• Weakness
• Fever/Chills, occasionally

Treatment

• Adequate rest is advised
• Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Gradually eat easy -to-digest food
• Avoid diary products
• Avoid eating if nauseated
• Do not give water to a child with gastroenteritis
• Give other prescribed rehydration liquids
• Or give a mixture of salt and glucose in water
• Consider nursing the baby 
• Consider acetaminophen for relief
• Avoid acetaminophen in case of liver disease
• Avoid aspirin

Consult a doctor if 

• Vomiting/Diarrhea persists   
• Diarrhea is bloody
• Acute dehydration occurs
• Fever persists