How to treat stomach flu in toddlers
- Lots of fluids Most likely, your child is losing lots of fluids due to vomiting and loose motions. Dehydration is the biggest concern for a stomach flu condition called gastroenteritis. ...
- Semi-solid or light food If your child is able to take in liquids and not throw up more frequently, you can try feeding soup. ...
- Avoid dairy products ...
- Fever medication ...
How do you treat a child with a stomach virus?
How do you treat a child's stomach virus? The best ways to treat the stomach flu in kids are hydration and rest. "For hydration, use a rehydration solution that's available in any store and over the counter," says Dr. Rojas. "Start with small sips and increase gradually, so they don't vomit it up."
What can I give my Baby for the stomach flu?
Most babies and kids won’t need treatment for the stomach flu. There’s no specific treatment for the viruses that cause it. (Keep in mind that antibiotics only work against bacteria — they can’t treat viruses.) Unless your doctor recommends it, don’t give your child antidiarrheal and anti-nausea medications.
Is there any home remedy for a stomach ache in children?
Not a very well known home remedy, but rice waters do tend to cure many stomach related problems for children. Firstly you should boil a cup of rice in a pan. Wait till the rice gets soft.
What are the symptoms of a stomach infection in children?
Stomach infection causes gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence and diarrhea. Stomach infections are very common in children. Bacterial infection in the stomach causes is one of the diseases that are often diagnosed by doctors.
How do you get rid of a stomach infection in a child?
There is no specific treatment for gastroenteritis, and most kids can be treated at home. Keep your child hydrated by offering plenty of liquids. Kids with more severe dehydration may need treatment in the ER or hospital. Mild dehydration is treated with oral (by mouth) rehydration.
How do I know if my toddler has a stomach infection?
If your child has the stomach flu, they may have hard-to-miss signs and symptoms like:diarrhea (usually watery and sometimes explosive)stomach pain and cramps.fever (usually mild and sometimes nonexistent)chills.nausea.vomiting.poor appetite.headache pain.More items...•
What can you give a toddler for a stomach virus?
Your doctor may recommend that you give your child bland foods for the first 24 hours. Bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, toast, saltine crackers and unsweetened cereals. If your child does well with these foods, you can add other foods over the next 48 hours.
What is the quickest way to get rid of a stomach bug in toddlers?
These suggestions may help:Help your child rehydrate. ... Get your child back to a normal diet once hydrated. ... Avoid certain foods. ... Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. ... Avoid giving your child store-bought anti-diarrheal medications, unless advised by your doctor.
How long does a stomach virus last in a toddler?
Stomach bugs, also called gastroenteritis, are very common in young children and can cause vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes a fever. Gastroenteritis typically lasts in the neighborhood of three to seven days, but sometimes it can be shorter and, unfortunately, sometimes it lasts longer.
How long does gastro last in toddlers?
Most gastro infections resolve themselves without medical treatment, with symptoms lasting between 24 hours to five days, but sometimes it can take longer. If your child is drinking fluids and is alert and responsive, they can be looked after at home.
How do I know if my baby has a stomach infection?
Stomach flu and rotavirus symptoms in babies and toddlers Fever. Abdominal pain. Loss of appetite. Dehydration (symptoms of dehydration include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, crying with few or no tears, a sunken soft spot and unusual sleepiness or fussiness)
What food is good for stomach infection?
Foods to eat include clear broths, crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Avoid certain foods until you feel better. These foods include dairy products, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, processed foods, and fatty, spicy or highly seasoned foods. Be cautious with medications.
What helps soothe a stomach bug?
Drink plenty of liquid every day, taking small, frequent sips. Ease back into eating. Gradually begin to eat bland, easy-to-digest foods, such as soda crackers, toast, gelatin, bananas, rice and chicken. Stop eating if your nausea returns.
What can I give my toddler for upset stomach and vomiting?
If your child is throwing up, they should drink small amounts of fluids often. Offer your child 5 mL of fluids every few minutes. If they can keep that down, give them up to 30 mL of fluids every 5 minutes. It's best to give your child clear fluids, such as apple juice mixed with water or sport electrolyte drinks.
How long does the stomach bug last 2022?
Individuals generally become ill 12 – 48 hours after exposure (swallowing norovirus). The acute phase of illness typically lasts 1 to 3 days.
What makes stomach virus go away?
In most cases, people with viral gastroenteritis get better on their own without medical treatment. You can treat viral gastroenteritis by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. In some cases, over-the-counter medicines may help relieve your symptoms.
How do I know if my child has rotavirus?
A rotavirus infection usually starts within two days of exposure to the virus. Early symptoms are a fever and vomiting, followed by three to seven days of watery diarrhea. The infection can cause abdominal pain as well.
Can a child have a stomach virus without fever?
Stomach Flu Most of the time, gastroenteritis is caused by a virus like rotavirus or norovirus. But you can also get it from bacteria like E. coli or salmonella. Although norovirus can sometimes cause a low-grade fever, you can also have it with no fever at all.
How long can a bacterial stomach infection last?
Bacterial gastroenteritis usually lasts for 1 to 3 days. In some cases, infections can last for weeks and be harmful if left untreated. Seek treatment as soon as you show symptoms of an infection to stop the infection from spreading.
How do I know if my baby has a bacterial infection?
Symptoms of infection in newborns aren't very specific and may include persistent crying, irritability, sleeping more than usual, lethargy, refusing to take the breast or bottle, low or unstable body temperature, jaundice, pallor, breathing problems, rashes, vomiting, or diarrhea.
How to help a toddler with a swollen stomach?
Try giving your child light, bland foods that will be easy on the stomach. Try crackers, Jell-O, bananas, toast, or rice. However, don’t insist that your child has to eat if they don’t want to. Make sure your child gets plenty of rest. Now is the time to pop in a favorite movie or reread beloved books.
What happens if one child has a stomach infection?
Other kinds of gastrointestinal infections are caused by bacteria. This includes food poisoning, which has slightly different symptoms than the stomach flu.
How often does the stomach flu happen?
the stomach flu every year. It also leads to about a million visits to the pediatrician every year in the United States. These viruses act fast — your child may get sick only a day or two after catching one. The stomach flu is also very contagious.
What is the stomach flu?
The stomach flu goes straight — and mercilessly — for the intestines. The stomach flu is usually caused by one of three viruses: norovirus. rotavirus. adenovirus. The norovirus is the most common cause of the stomach flu in kids under the age of 5 years. This virus gives up to 21 million people.
How to stop a child from getting the stomach flu?
You can at least prevent it from happening as often. The best way to prevent the stomach flu is wash your hands — and wash them again. Teach your child how to wash their hands properly and to wash them often.
How long does it take for a baby to have diarrhea?
Your baby or child may have cycles of vomiting and diarrhea for about 24 hours. If your child has the stomach flu, they may have hard-to-miss signs and symptoms like: diarrhea (usually watery and sometimes explosive) stomach pain and cramps. fever (usually mild and sometimes nonexistent) chills. nausea. vomiting. poor appetite.
How old should a baby be to take pain medication?
You can give babies over the age of 6 months pain medications like ibuprofen and acetaminophen. Ask your pediatrician about the exact dosage. Too much pain relief medication can make babies ill.
How to treat stomach flu in kids?
The best ways to treat the stomach flu in kids are hydration and rest. "For hydration, use a rehydration solution that's available in any store and over the counter," says Dr. Rojas. "Start with small sips and increase gradually, so they don't vomit it up.". Water alone may not be enough to rehydrate kids safely, especially younger children.
What do you feed a child with the stomach flu?
The best foods after the stomach flu are the BRAT diet of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast.
How long does the stomach flu last in kids?
A stomach flu usually lasts between one and three days. Vomiting typically lasts for less than 24 hours.
What is the stomach flu?
The stomach flu, also called viral gastroenteritis, is not to be confused with the flu caused by the influenza virus. The stomach flu is caused by viruses, such as norovirus and rotavirus, that irritate and infect the digestive system. It can be a common illness among kids, who may not be as good at washing their hands as adults ...
Why do kids lose electrolytes?
Kids lose electrolytes when they vomit or have diarrhea. This can lead to low sodium in the blood, a dangerous situation. A rehydration solution, like Pedialyte, replenishes fluids and electrolytes. Broth can also be helpful.
Can apple juice cause diarrhea?
Certain drinks, like apple juice or carbonated beverages, can make vomiting or diarrhea worse, so it's best to stick to rehydration solution or plain water. If your child has nausea or vomiting again, it's best to stop the food until their stomach can settle.
Can antibiotics help with stomach flu?
Because the stomach flu is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help. "Usually we just need to let the virus run its own course," says Dr. Rojas. "Trying to take medications can prolong symptoms and make them worse.".
How can I prevent the stomach flu and rotavirus in children?
Rotavirus disease and other stomach illnesses are extremely contagious, so while there's nothing foolproof you can do to stop your little one from coming down with a general stomach virus, you can help prevent rotavirus specifically by taking the following steps to keep your child from getting sick:
Why do babies have stomach bugs?
Stomach viruses can be caused by a number of gastrointestinal illnesses, and sometimes they're not viruses at all but food poisoning from a bacterial infection. One of the most common causes of a stomach bug in babies and toddlers is rotavirus disease. This guide to symptoms, causes, treatments and prevention of rotavirus has ...
When should I call the doctor about stomach flu in children?
It's a good idea to call your pediatrician at the first onset of stomach flu symptoms . It's especially important to call right away if your child has bloody diarrhea, excessive vomiting or a fever (100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher).
How long does the stomach flu last in a toddler?
Here are the most common symptoms of rotavirus and stomach flu in little ones: Vomiting and watery diarrhea, usually lasting three to eight days. Fever.
How to reduce fever in newborn?
Use fever-reducing meds if recommended. Give acetaminophen (to babies 2 months and older) or ibuprofen (to those 6 months or older) to reduce fever.
How to tell if a child is dehydrated?
Also, contact your pediatrician right away or go to the emergency room if you notice any of these signs of severe dehydration — which may need to be treated with intravenous (IV) fluids in the hospital: Your child is very lethargic or difficult to wake up. Unusual fussiness. Crying with few or no tears.
How to cure stomach flu in toddler?
That makes it even more difficult to cure the problem. Feeding him/her with yogurt on a daily basis is a very good alternative to ward off stomach flu. Yogurts have the capacity to cool and soothe your child’s stomach.
What to give a child with stomach flu?
Soft Drinks or Soda. Mild soft drinks or soda are also natural relief providing alternative for your child, when he/she is suffering from stomach flu. You can add some lemon into the soda or the soft drink and offer it your child. The fizz helps his/her stomach to feel better and allows your child to relax.
How to treat stomach flu in children?
Firstly you should boil a cup of rice in a pan. Wait till the rice gets soft. Rinse the rice and eat it separately. However, do not throw the water away. This water is very good for treating stomach flu in children. You can always add a pinch of ginger and honey to this water to make it tasty for your child.
Why do kids put their hands in their mouth?
They also put their unwashed hands in their mouth. These habits allow many bacteria and virus to enter your child’s digestive system. Stomach flu causes tremendous stomach pain, nausea and vomiting. This can lead to further complication in your child.
What is the best medicine for a child with stomach pain?
Mint . If your child’s age is more than 5 years, then you can offer him/her with mint. Mint has some sedentary benefits which will allow your child to get some relief from the stomach pain. Taken in small dosages, mint is generally very good for digestion.
What to do if your child is sick for 3 days?
However, things like rice water and yogurt can also be given alongside medicines. They will help your child to restore the biotic balance in the digestive system.
How to help a child with stomach aches?
It also helps in boosting your child’s immunity. You can mix one spoon of sugar and one pinch of salt with one spoon of lemon juice and mix it well in a glass of water. This will help your child to get the desired relief from the tremendous stomach aches.
How to stop a toddler from vomiting?
Too much of even the right kind of liquid can make vomiting worse if given too rapidly, so take it slow at first and make sure it doesn’t make the problem worse. Try 1 teaspoon every 4 to 5 minutes, Nowalk says. Introduce food slowly. Once your child can drink liquid and keep it down, you can start adding food.
What to give a sick child?
But keep it bland. Try bananas, bread, rice, applesauce, and toast first. Chicken noodle soup and crackers are also good choices. Once you know those are going down OK, you can try lean meat and cooked vegetables. Don't give your sick child foods that are fried, spicy, fatty, or have a lot of acid.
Why is it important to keep your child hydrated?
Due to the vomiting and diarrhea, your child's body loses more fluids than it takes in. So the most important thing you can do is keep your child hydrated, says Andrew Nowalk, MD, PhD. He's an assistant professor of pediatrics at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh. Not just any fluid will do.
What to do if diarrhea doesn't go away?
If the diarrhea doesn’t go away, has blood in it, or if you and your child were recently traveling internationally to certain parts of the world, your doctor may need to run some tests and may prescribe antibiotics.
What causes gastroenteritis in children?
Get your child vaccinated against rotavirus, which is the most common cause of gastroenteritis.
How long does gastroenteritis last?
Viral infections are the usual cause of gastroenteritis. Bacteria can sometimes bring it on. The sickness usually passes in about 10 days without medication. The first few days tend to be the worst, but you can take steps to help your child get through it.
What does it mean when a child has diarrhea?
If your child suddenly has an attack of diarrhea and vomiting, and they complain of a stomachache, you may think to yourself, "stomach flu.". No, not really. What's often called "stomach flu" is gastroenteritis, an infection of the stomach and intestines. The flu, or influenza, is different. It causes sore throats, runny noses, ...
What Is Stomach Flu?
The stomach flu is caused by a contagious virus that causes nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can be spread by direct contact with a sick individual or through contaminated food, water, or surfaces. Because children frequently put their fingers and hands in their mouths, they are at an increased risk of contracting norovirus and rotavirus. 2
Symptoms
Symptoms of the stomach flu usually develop about 12–48 hours after exposure to the virus. Most people experience symptoms of norovirus for about one to three days and rotavirus for three to eight days. Common symptoms include: 6
Treatment
The viruses that cause the stomach flu often need to run their course, and most people start to feel much better after a few days to a week.
When to See a Healthcare Provider
Call your primary healthcare provider or your child's pediatrician if you are concerned that your child is dehydrated. The medical staff can help you determine if your child needs to be seen and how to rehydrate them as quickly as possible.
Summary
The stomach flu is caused by very contagious viruses like norovirus and rotavirus. Common symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The stomach flu is spread by contact with a sick person, contaminated food or drink, and surfaces. It can quickly spread through concentrated environments like school or daycare centers.
A Word From Verywell
Seeing your child sick is hard for any parent. It may be helpful to remember that the stomach flu is a common infection and usually resolves on its own. Encourage your child to rest as much as possible and help them replace lost fluids with broth or oral rehydration fluids.
How to prevent bacterial infection in the Stomach?
A major role in this function is played by gastric acid. pH plays an important role in this process. It is a measure of how acidic (or basic) something (such as an environment) is on a scale of 0 to 14. If the pH value drops below 3, it means that something has become more acidic; if the pH rises above 7, it means that something has become more basic or alkaline.
How do antibiotics treat stomach infections?
Bacterial infection in the stomach can be treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics work by killing bacteria and preventing their growth. Some common types of antibiotics used to treat bacterial infections include: They are given either through mouth or injection, depending on the severity of the infection and your condition.
What is the cause of diarrhea, vomiting, and diarrhea?
Bacterial gastroenteritis occurs when bacteria cause an infection of the stomach and intestinal tract. It can cause a range of symptoms, including diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, nausea and vomiting. Bacterial gastroenteritis can be caused by eating food or water contaminated with the bacteria or their toxins.
What causes bloating and nausea in the stomach?
Bacterial infection in Stomach Causes, Symptoms and Natural Home Remedies A stomach infection can occur if the bacterium Helicobacter pylori enters the stomach. It is a type of germ that affects the lining of the stomach. If you are experiencing symptoms such as bloating or nausea, consult your physician to determine if you have this condition. Symptoms Of Stomach Bacteria Infection :- Bloating after eating food. This occurs due to indigestion caused by bacteria in the stomach which release gas to let others know they’re there.
What is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children?
Campylobacter is one of the most common bacterial causes of gastroenteritis and is most common in children under two years old. The adenovirus causes diarrhea, fever, conjunctivitis, cystitis and rash, the common symptoms of respiratory disease. Shigellosis The CDC says drinking water containing shigellosis bacteria can cause a type of infection called shigellosis.
How does gastroenteritis spread?
Bacteria that cause gastroenteritis can spread in your own body when you touch the infection with your eyes, mouth or other open parts of the body or hands. They can also be transmitted from person to person if someone carries the bacteria on their hands. Every time a person touches food or objects or other people with a bacterial infection, the bacteria have a chance to pass on to others.
What causes stomach pain?
Bacterial infection in the stomach causes is one of the diseases that are often diagnosed by doctors. This disease is often caused by bacteria called H. pylori, which quickly spread among adults worldwide. The primary cause of this disease is poor hygiene or improper food preparation methods, so it may occur in people who do not have good personal hygiene habits. The main symptom of this disease is abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting. Treatment can be carried out using antibiotics or other drugs prescribed by a doctor based on the type of bacteria causing the infection.
What to do if your toddler has yeast infection?
If your toddler continues to get frequent yeast infections, see their doctor. Reoccurring yeast infections might have an underlying cause and need to be treated at the source. Yeast infections in the diaper area usually stop once your child is out of diapers.
How to get rid of yeast in toddlers?
Both pacifiers and bottle nipples should be washed in very hot water or the dishwasher. This helps kill yeast. Frequent diaper changes. Keeping your toddler’s diaper area dry can help prevent yeast infections, especially at night.
Why is my toddler's diaper moist?
Toddlers are always on the move. But refusing to stop for diaper changes or potty breaks can leave a moist diaper. This is where yeast can develop.
What happens if you give your child antibiotics?
If your child is being prescribed antibiotics too frequently, they might kill off the “good” bacteria or some of the necessary bacteria that keep yeast at bay.
Can a yeast infection affect a toddler?
Yeast infections in toddlers. A yeast infection is probably not the first thing you think of when you hear the word toddler. But the same uncomfortable infection that’s common in adult women can affect little ones, too. With toddlers, any health problem — especially those concerning the diaper area — can be tricky.
Can toddlers communicate?
Most toddlers aren’t very good at communicating, so you might not even be aware that there’s a problem. And it’s not something parents are likely watching out for. But it happens more than you’d think. My daughter had a yeast infection as a toddler. That’s when I found out that they are pretty common.
Can a yeast infection cause diaper rash?
This is what happened with our daughter. Our pediatrician told us that some telltale signs that it’s a yeast infection and not diaper rash are: It doesn’t get any better with diaper rash cream.
