Meningitis Symptoms – Signs of Meningitis

Meningitis and septicaemia* can happen together. Be aware of all the signs and symptoms. If anybody you know has any of them get urgent medical help. Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get worse very quickly; keep checking them

Early signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia

Meningitis symptoms can appear in any order. Some may not appear at all. Early symptoms of meningitis can include:

• Fever
• Headache 
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Muscle pain
• Stomach cramps
• Fever with cold hands and feet

This is a list of the early symptoms of meningitis, for more age specific symptoms please see our pages for babies and toddlers, children and adults. 

*Many medical experts now use the term sepsis instead of septicaemia.

Common signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia

• Fever with cold hands and feet
• Vomiting
• Drowsy or difficult to wake
• Confusion and irritability
• Severe muscle pain
• Pale blotchy skin, spots or rash (See Glass Test (link))
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Dislike bright lights
• Convulsions or seizures

Someone with meningitis or septicaemia can get a lot worse very quickly. Keep checking them. 

DO NOT wait for a rash. If someone is ill and getting worse, trust your instincts – Get medical help immediately

Find out more about meningitis, as well as the symptoms in this short video:

• Meningitis symptoms in adults

  A visual list of meningitis symptoms in adults

• Meningitis symptoms in children

  A visual guide to meningitis symptoms in children

• Meningitis signs and symptoms in babies and toddlers

  See our quick visual reference of signs and symptoms

• Glass test

  A rash that does not fade under pressure is a sign of meningococcal septicaemia, do the glass test

• Mobile optimised downloads

  Download signs and symptoms images and videos to your phone

• Emergency information

  If you’re worried about meningitis, don’t waste time. Trust your instincts and get medical help immediately

• Signs and symptoms videos

  What is meningitis? What are the main signs and symptoms? Find out in these short videos

• Hajj and Umrah pilgrims

  There are increased risks of meningitis to pilgrims

Gastroenteritis | NHS inform

Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It’s usually caused by a bacterial or viral tummy bug.

It affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children.

Most cases in children are caused by a virus called rotavirus. Cases in adults are usually caused by norovirus (the ‘winter vomiting bug’) or bacterial food poisoning.

Gastroenteritis can be very unpleasant, but it usually clears up by itself within a week. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home until you’re feeling better.

Try to avoid going to your GP, as gastroenteritis can spread to others very easily. Phone 111 or your GP if you’re concerned or need any advice.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis

The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are:

• sudden, watery diarrhoea
• feeling sick
• vomiting, which can be projectile
• a mild fever

Some people also have other symptoms, such as a loss of appetite, an upset stomach, aching limbs and headaches.

The symptoms usually appear up to a day after becoming infected. They typically last less than a week, but can sometimes last longer.

What to do if you have gastroenteritis

If you experience sudden diarrhoea and vomiting, the best thing to do is stay at home until you’re feeling better. There’s not always a specific treatment, so you have to let the illness run its course.

You don’t usually need to get medical advice, unless your symptoms don’t improve or there’s a risk of a more serious problem.

There are things you can do to help ease your symptoms.

Do

• 
  
  drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration; you need to drink more than usual to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea – water is best, but you could also try fruit juice and soup
• 
  
  take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains
• 
  
  get plenty of rest
• 
  
  if you feel like eating, try small amounts of plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread
• 
  
  use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if you have signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or dark urine
• 
  
  take anti-vomiting medication (such as metoclopramide) and/or antidiarrhoeal medication (such as loperamide) if you need to – some types are available from pharmacies, but check the leaflet that comes with the medicine; you can also ask your pharmacist or GP for advice about whether they’re suitable

Read further information about treating dehydration

Gastroenteritis can spread very easily. You should wash your hands regularly while you’re ill and stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after your symptoms have cleared, to reduce the risk of passing it on.

When to get medical advice

You don’t normally need to see your GP if you think you have gastroenteritis, as it should get better on its own.

Visiting your GP practice can put others at risk, so it’s best to phone 111 or your GP if you’re concerned or feel you need advice.

Non-urgent advice:

Phone 111 or your GP practice if:

• you have symptoms of severe dehydration, such as persistent dizziness, only passing small amounts of urine or no urine at all, or if you’re losing consciousness
• you have bloody diarrhoea
• you’re vomiting constantly and are unable to keep down any fluids
• you have a fever over 38C (100. 4F)
• your symptoms haven’t started to improve after a few days
• in the last few weeks you’ve returned from a part of the world with poor sanitation
• you have a serious underlying condition, such as kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease or a weak immune system, and have diarrhoea and vomiting

Your GP may suggest sending off a sample of your poo to a laboratory to check what’s causing your symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed if this shows you have a bacterial infection.

Looking after a child with gastroenteritis

You can look after your child at home if they have diarrhoea and vomiting. There’s not usually any specific treatment and your child should start feeling better in a few days.

You don’t normally need to get medical advice unless their symptoms don’t improve or there’s a risk of a more serious problem.

There are things you can do to help ease your child’s symptoms.

Do

• 
  
  encourage them to drink plenty of fluids as they need to replace the fluids lost from vomiting and diarrhoea – water is generally best; avoid giving them fizzy drinks or fruit juice, as they can make their diarrhoea worse
• 
  
  babies should continue to feed as usual, either with breast milk or other milk feeds
• 
  
  make sure they get plenty of rest
• 
  
  let your child eat if they’re eating solids and feel hungry – try small amounts of plain foods, such as soup, rice, pasta and bread
• 
  
  give them paracetamol if they have an uncomfortable fever or aches and pains – young children may find liquid paracetamol easier to swallow than tablets
• 
  
  use special rehydration drinks made from sachets bought from pharmacies if they’re dehydrated – your GP or pharmacist can advise on how much to give your child

Don’t give your child antidiarrhoeal and anti-vomiting medication, unless advised to by your GP or pharmacist.

Make sure you and your child wash your hands regularly while your child is ill. Keep them away from school or nursery until at least 48 hours after their symptoms have cleared.

Getting medical advice for your child

You don’t usually need to see your GP if you think your child has gastroenteritis, as it should get better on its own, and taking them to a GP practice can put others at risk. 

Non-urgent advice:

Phone 111 or your GP practice if:

You’re concerned about your child, or they:

• have symptoms of dehydration, such as passing less urine than normal, being unusually irritable or unresponsive, pale or mottled skin, or cold hands and feet
• have blood in their poo or green vomit
• are vomiting constantly and are unable to keep down any fluids or feeds
• have had diarrhoea for more than a week
• have been vomiting for 3 days or more
• have signs of a more serious illness, such as a high fever (over 38C or 100. 4F), shortness of breath, rapid breathing, a stiff neck, a rash that doesn’t fade when you roll a glass over it or a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on a baby’s head)
• have a serious underlying condition, such as inflammatory bowel disease or a weak immune system, and have diarrhoea and vomiting

Your GP may suggest sending off a sample of your child’s poo to a laboratory to confirm what’s causing their symptoms. Antibiotics may be prescribed if this shows they have a bacterial infection.

How gastroenteritis is spread

The bugs that cause gastroenteritis can spread very easily from person to person.

You can catch the infection if small particles of vomit or poo from an infected person get into your mouth, such as through:

• close contact with someone with gastroenteritis – they may breathe out small particles of vomit
• touching contaminated surfaces or objects
• eating contaminated food – this can happen if an infected person doesn’t wash their hands before handling food, or you eat food that has been in contact with contaminated surfaces or objects, or hasn’t been stored and cooked at the correct temperatures

A person with gastroenteritis is most infectious from when their symptoms start until 48 hours after all their symptoms have passed, although they may also be infectious for a short time before and after this.

Preventing gastroenteritis

It’s not always possible to avoid getting gastroenteritis, but following this advice can help stop it spreading.

Do

• 
  
  stay off work, school or nursery until at least 48 hours after the symptoms have passed – you or your child should also avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time
• 
  
  ensure you and your child wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, particularly after using the toilet and before preparing food – don’t rely on alcohol hand gels, as they’re not always effective
• 
  
  disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated – it’s best to use a bleach-based household cleaner
• 
  
  wash contaminated items of clothing or bedding separately on a hot wash
• 
  
  flush away any poo or vomit in the toilet or potty and clean the surrounding area
• 
  
  practice good food hygiene: make sure food is properly refrigerated, always cook your food thoroughly, and never eat food that is past its use-by date

Don’t

• 
  
  do not rely on alcohol hand gels, as they’re not always effective
• 
  
  don’t share towels, flannels, cutlery or utensils while you or your child is ill

Take extra care when travelling to parts of the world with poor sanitation, as you could pick up a stomach bug. For example, you may need to boil tap water before drinking it.

Young children can have the rotavirus vaccination when they’re 2 to 3 months old, which can reduce their risk of developing gastroenteritis.

Last updated:


29 May 2023

How can we improve this page?

Help us improve NHS inform

Don’t include personal information e.g. name, location or any personal health conditions.

Email Address



e.g. [email protected]

Message



Maximum of 500 characters

Viral gastroenteritis – Humanitas

Viral gastroenteritis – is an infection of the intestines that is characterized by watery stools, abdominal cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.

The most common viral gastroenteritis (sometimes called “stomach flu”) is transmitted through contact with a sick person or ingestion of contaminated food or water. If the state of health is otherwise normal, recovery will probably not be accompanied by complications. However, in infants, the elderly, and people with suppressed immune systems, viral gastroenteritis can be fatal.

There is no effective treatment for viral gastroenteritis, so prevention is becoming more important. In addition to avoiding food and water that may be contaminated, the best defense is thorough and frequent handwashing.

Symptoms

Despite the common name “stomach flu”, gastroenteritis is different from the flu. The true flu only affects the respiratory system: nose, throat and lungs. Gastroenteritis affects the intestines, causing the following signs and symptoms:

• Watery stools, usually without blood – bloody diarrhea often indicates another, more severe infection.
• Abdominal cramps and pain
• Nausea, vomiting or both
• Periodic muscle pain and headaches
• Low temperature

Depending on the cause, symptoms of viral gastroenteritis may appear within one to three days after infection and may be mild or severe. Symptoms usually persist for one to two days, but can sometimes persist for up to 10 days.

Because the symptoms are similar, viral diarrhea can easily be mistaken for diarrhea caused by bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, or parasites, such as giardia.

Conditions requiring medical attention

An adult should seek medical attention in the following cases:

• Fluid is not retained within 24 hours
• Vomiting for more than two days
• Hematemesis
• Dehydration: Signs of dehydration include extreme thirst, dry mouth, deep yellow urine, infrequent or no urination, severe weakness, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
• Detection of blood impurities in feces
• Temperature above 40°C (104°F)
• In infants and young children

If your child has any of the following symptoms, see a doctor immediately:

• Temperature 38.9C (102 F) and above
• Drowsiness or irritability
• Feeling that the child is in severe discomfort or pain
• Bloody diarrhea
• Child feels dehydrated: monitor for signs of dehydration in sick infants and young children by comparing fluid intake and urine output with the child’s normal intake

If you have a small child, remember that if daily spitting up is not a cause for concern, then vomiting is not the norm. Vomiting in children appears for various reasons, many of which require medical intervention.

If a child has any of the following, see a doctor immediately:

• Vomiting for several hours
• Diaper dry for six hours
• Bloody stools or severe diarrhea
• Sunken fontanel – soft spot on top of child
• The child has a dry mouth or no tears when crying
• Unusual drowsiness, no response

Complications

The main complication of viral gastroenteritis is severe loss of water and important salts and minerals. If the body is healthy and the person is drinking enough fluid to replace the fluid excreted through vomiting or diarrhea, dehydration is not dangerous.

Young children, the elderly, or people with a suppressed immune system can become severely dehydrated if the amount of fluid they take in cannot replace the amount of fluid lost. In this case, hospitalization may be required, where the lost fluid will be restored intravenously. In rare cases, dehydration can lead to death.

Intestinal infection in children: symptoms and treatment

Contents

• 1 Intestinal infection in children: symptoms, causes and effective treatment
  • 1.1 Intestinal infection in children: symptoms and treatment
    • 1.1.1 Symptoms of intestinal infection
    • 1.1.2 Treatment of intestinal infection
  • 1.2 Intestinal infection: definition and causes
  • 1. 3 Types of intestinal infection
  • 1.4 How does intestinal infection in children?
  • 1. 5 What are the symptoms of an intestinal infection in children?
  • 1.6 How to diagnose an intestinal infection?
    • 1.6.1 History taking
    • 1.6.2 Complete blood and urine analysis
    • 1.6.3 Bacteriological examination of feces
    • 1.6.4 Immunological examination methods
    • 1.6.5 Instrumental examination methods
  • 1.7 What methods of treatment are used for intestinal infection?
  • 1.8 Prevention of intestinal infection in children: tips and tricks
    • 1.8.1 Cleanliness and hygiene
    • 1.8.2 Proper nutrition
    • 1.8.3 Avoid contact with infected people
    • 1.8.4 Vaccination
  • 1.9 How can I protect my child from intestinal infection in public places?
  • 1.10 When should I see a doctor for an intestinal infection?
  • 1.11 Complications of an intestinal infection
  • 1.12 How to alleviate the condition of a child with an intestinal infection?
  • 1. 13 Related videos:
  • 1.14 Q&A:
    • • 1.14.0.1 How can you tell if a child has an intestinal infection?
      • 1.14.0.2 What are the causes of intestinal infection?
      • 1.14.0.3 Is it possible to treat intestinal infections in children on my own?
      • 1.14.0.4 What are the complications of intestinal infection in children?
      • 1.14.0.5 How can I protect my child from intestinal infection?
      • 1.14.0.6 How long does an intestinal infection last?

Learn about the symptoms and treatment of intestinal infections in children. Details about the causes and methods of prevention. Doctors’ advice for a quick recovery of a child’s health.

Intestinal infections are one of the most common infectious diseases in children. The most common cause of the disease is the consumption of contaminated food and water. They cause inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract and present with severe symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration.

This guide will provide information about the symptoms and treatment of intestinal infections in children. Home care will also be discussed, which can help relieve symptoms and reduce the duration of the illness. These tips are useful for both parents and leaders of institutions such as kindergartens and schools.

Although an intestinal infection can be serious and dangerous to a child’s health, it can be effectively treated. Early contact with a doctor and proper care will allow you to quickly get rid of the symptoms and eliminate the danger to the health of the child.

Intestinal infection in children: symptoms and treatment

Intestinal infection is a disease caused by pathogenic microorganisms that infect the intestine and cause dysfunction. This disease is more common in children than in adults.

Symptoms of intestinal infection

The main symptoms of intestinal infection are:

• vomiting;
• fever;
• diarrhea;
• abdominal pain;
• profuse salivation;
• weakening of the heart;
• thirst;

If the intestinal lesion was caused by bacteria, there may be an admixture of blood and pus in the stool.

Treatment of intestinal infection

Treatment of intestinal infection in children includes:

1. food diet;
2. rehydration;
3. antibiotic therapy.

For a quick recovery of the body, it is necessary to drink as much liquid as possible and ensure that the feces do not last more than two days. In diseases caused by viruses, avoid the use of antibiotics, which can adversely affect the health of the child.

Intestinal infection: definition and causes

Intestinal infection is a disease caused by bacteria, viruses or other microorganisms that infect the gastrointestinal tract. It can affect children of any age and is spread through food and water, it is also spread through contact with infected people or animals.

Common causes of intestinal infections in children are pathogens such as salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, rotaviruses, enteroviruses and others. It can cause severe symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, severe abdominal pain, and fever.

• Salmonellosis: is an infection caused by the bacterium Salmonella, which can be found in uncooked meats, eggs and milk products.
• Shigellosis: This infection is caused by the Shigella bacterium, which can be found in unpeeled vegetables and fruits, or in contact with infected children or adults.
• Rotavirus: is a gut-borne virus that is one of the most common causes of intestinal infections in children.

Children often need medical attention to treat an intestinal infection. Poor hygiene, eating uncooked foods, and children’s immune systems are major risk factors for infection. Regular handwashing and proper storage of food should be ensured to prevent contamination.

Intestinal infections

Salmonellosis is a disease that causes upset stomach and intestines. Patients may experience high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and headache.

Shigellosis causes severe abdominal pain, high frequency diarrhea and constipation.

Escherichiosis causes symptoms similar to salmonellosis, but may also cause bloody diarrhoea.

Campylobacteriosis is an intestinal infection that causes severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and low body temperature.

Rotavirus is a viral infection that causes diarrhea and vomiting.

• Vibrio infections – causes diarrhea and vomiting, and can also lead to blood, heart, and lung infections.
• Intestinal ulcer – May cause bloody diarrhoea, and in more severe cases may lead to acute intestinal obstruction.
• Stomach flu is a virus that causes flu-like symptoms such as fever, vomiting, and diarrhea.

How does intestinal infection occur in children?

Intestinal infections in children are caused by exposure to harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses or fungi. They can enter the child’s body through food, water or dirty hands. Infection is also possible through contact with infected people or animals.

To prevent intestinal infection, it is recommended to be careful when choosing food and drink only clean water. You should also wash your hands before eating and after using the toilet. Parents should teach their children hygiene skills to avoid infection.

• Avoid street food;
• Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet;
• Drink only clean water;
• Practice good personal hygiene.

What symptoms accompany an intestinal infection in children?

Intestinal infection in children often presents with severe nausea and vomiting. The child may also experience abdominal pain, diarrhea, headache, fever, and weakness.

Animal symptoms that may accompany intestinal infection in children include bloating, gas, lack of appetite, constant drowsiness and irritability.

Some children may have worms in their stool, which is a sign of intestinal parasites.

• Symptoms of intestinal infection:
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Weakness

If your child has any of these symptoms, contact for medical help. Do not forget that the disease can lead to dehydration, so it is important to start treatment as soon as possible.

How to diagnose an intestinal infection?

History taking

At the first stage of diagnosis, the doctor tries to find out what symptoms are observed in the child, when they began to appear, whether he has complaints of abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, fever. Also, the doctor is interested in whether there are cases of intestinal infection in close relatives, whether the child was in contact with people suffering from a similar disease.

Complete blood and urine test

Blood and urine tests may be ordered to assess the child’s general health. The presence of an increased number of leukocytes in the urine or blood may indicate the presence of an infectious process in the body.

Stool culture

Stool culture may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of an intestinal infection. The doctor takes a sample of the baby’s stool and sends it to a laboratory to look for the causative agent.

Immunological tests

An immunological test can be performed to determine the presence of antibodies in the blood to the causative agent of intestinal infection. Such methods make it possible to detect immunoglobulins of classes A, M, G in the blood of a child.

Instrumental tests

In severe cases of intestinal infection, instrumental tests such as X-ray, ultrasound, gastroscopy, colonoscopy, etc. may be required.

As a rule, the diagnosis of an intestinal infection includes several stages that allow you to accurately determine the presence of the disease and choose the most effective method of treatment. At the first sign of illness, you should immediately consult a doctor.

What are the treatments for intestinal infection?

Treatment of intestinal infection in children is aimed at relieving symptoms and fighting the cause of the disease. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate the dehydration of the child’s body, for which salt and glucose solutions contained in the drinking regimen are used.

However, in addition to medical methods, it is important to ensure the nutritional regime of the child. In case of an intestinal infection, it is recommended to follow a diet that excludes fatty, sweet, spicy and smoked foods, as well as foods containing fiber, which can exacerbate the symptoms of infection.

An important aspect of treating an intestinal infection is hygiene. It is necessary to manicure the child’s nails, carry out hygiene procedures and wash hands thoroughly before eating.

• Key points in the treatment of intestinal infection:
• – Dehydration
• – Fighting bacteria with antibiotics or probiotics
• – Dieting
• – Maintaining hygiene

Prevention of intestinal infection in children: tips and advice

Cleanliness and hygiene a

The main measure for the prevention of intestinal infection is maintaining cleanliness of hands and hygiene of the common space. Children should be taught to wash their hands with soap and water before meals, after going to the toilet, and any other time hands may be contaminated.

It is also important to keep toys, utensils, linen and surfaces clean in the home where the child is often present. Regular ventilation of the room also helps to reduce the chance of infection.

Proper nutrition

Prevention of intestinal infections in children also includes proper nutrition. Food quality must be monitored, raw or undercooked foods should be avoided, and unpasteurized dairy products should not be consumed.

To maintain normal intestinal microflora, it is recommended to consume foods containing probiotics, such as yogurt or kefir.

Avoid contact with those who are infected

It is important to avoid contact with people with intestinal infections or carriers of the bacteria. If you have a sick child, you need to take personal hygiene measures (wear a mask, wash your hands, do not share dishes, etc. ) to reduce the chance of healthy children becoming infected.

Vaccinations

Intestinal vaccinations are offered in some cases, such as when traveling to high incidence countries. Before traveling, you should consult a doctor and get recommendations on vaccinations for your child.

How to protect a child in public places from an intestinal infection?

Intestinal infections are very common among children, especially in kindergartens and schools. To protect your child, you must follow a few rules.

• Regular handwashing – Parents should teach their child to properly wash their hands with soap and water, especially before meals and after using the toilet.
• Hygiene skills – The symbolism of the white and colored stripe on some toilet doors needs to be explained to the child. In such toilets, a child can find a third container for used tissues and toilet paper to avoid contact with bacteria and infections.
• Cleanliness of objects – Teachers and school staff should regularly wipe and disinfect surfaces and objects that children may touch.
• Fresh food – Children should not eat food that is in the 5-60 degree temperature zone as this can lead to infection. It is also necessary to share food from other children.
• Avoid contact with sick children – The child should avoid contact with children who look sick or have symptoms of intestinal infections.

Following these rules will help protect your child from intestinal infections in public places.

When should I see a doctor for an intestinal infection?

Intestinal infections in children present with a variety of symptoms. They usually begin with diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. But not all cases require immediate medical attention. When should you go to see a pediatrician?

• If the child has a high temperature that does not fall for more than 3 days
• If the child vomits and diarrhea is accompanied by acute pain in the abdomen that does not subside between attacks
• If the child’s stool is very bloody or contains pus
• If the child has lost a lot of fluid and cannot drink water

If you have severe symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. An appointment with a doctor will help determine the severity of the disease and choose the most effective treatment.

Cases of intestinal infection that did not require a visit to a doctor can be treated at home. However, the need for treatment should not be independently determined, especially in young children.

Complications of intestinal infection

Intestinal infection in children can lead to various complications. One of them is dehydration, which occurs due to the loss of water and salts in the urine. To prevent dehydration, it is necessary to increase the amount of liquid consumed by the child. It is also necessary to monitor the condition of the skin and irritation that may occur on the priest.

In some cases, an intestinal infection can affect other organs, such as the liver or kidneys. In this case, you must consult a doctor and prescribe appropriate treatment.

Another complication of intestinal infection may be the development of toxic shock. This condition can occur as a result of a severe infection and manifest as low blood pressure, severe abdominal pain, and severe weakness. In such a situation, you must immediately call an ambulance.

All of the above complications should be taken seriously and medical attention should be sought if suspicious symptoms appear.

How to alleviate the condition of a child with an intestinal infection?

Intestinal infections in children are really very difficult. Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, abdominal pain, fever and other unpleasant symptoms occur. In such a situation, the main thing is to properly provide first aid and alleviate the condition of the child.

The following tips will help you relieve your child of an intestinal infection:

• Provide peace and comfort. The child should lie down without straining or moving much;
• It is important to avoid dehydration. To do this, it is necessary to maintain water balance and follow the doctor’s recommendations for replenishing fluid losses. It is recommended to give your child drinking water often and a little, but regularly. An isotonic oral rehydration solution may also be used;
• Take measures to lower the temperature if it is elevated. To do this, you can use antipyretic drugs and plain water;
• Remove fatty, fried, sugary and heavy foods from your child’s diet, and limit milk and dairy products. Instead, give easily digestible food – broths, purees, low-fat yogurts;
• With an intestinal infection, it is much easier to tolerate tiny portions of food throughout the day than to overeat in one fell swoop. Divide food into several small meals, for example, every 2-3 hours.

Take care of your baby and follow the advice of a specialist to help him cope with an intestinal infection.

Related videos:

Q&A:

How can you tell if a child has an intestinal infection?

Intestinal infection in children is manifested by acute diarrhea (more than three times a day), vomiting, pain, high fever.

What are the causes of an intestinal infection?

Intestinal infection can be caused by various microorganisms: viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa. It is transmitted through dirty hands, contaminated water and food, through contact with infected people and animals. It is necessary to observe the rules of hygiene and especially carefully monitor hand hygiene.

Is it possible to treat an intestinal infection in children on my own?

No, you need to see a doctor who will prescribe a comprehensive treatment that includes rehydration therapy, antibiotics, probiotics and urgent care for complications. Self-medication can lead to serious consequences.

What complications can occur with an intestinal infection in children?

Complications can range from dehydration to intestinal inflammation (colitis), acute pancreatitis, purulent cholecystitis, and others. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor in a timely manner.

How to protect a child from an intestinal infection?

The main means of prevention is hygiene: wash hands regularly, do not drink water from unverified sources, monitor the quality of food, take care of personal hygiene, use antiviral drugs and vaccination.