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Gastroenteritis - First Aid and Emergency Treatment Guide

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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
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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
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Consult a doctor if 

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