Gastroenteritis in children | North Bristol NHS Trust

What is gastroenteritis?

Gastroenteritis is an infection in the gut which causes diarrhoea and/or vomiting. It can also cause tummy pain and a raised temperature. It is usually caused by a virus, and most children are able to recover at home with simple treatment. The diarrhoea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, when too much water is lost from the body.

How long does it last?

Gastroenteritis can cause symptoms which last up to 2 weeks, but most cases last for a much shorter time.

What can I do to help?

If your child has a temperature or tummy pain then give paracetamol according to the instructions on the bottle.

Offer small amounts of fluid to drink frequently. Do not offer a full bottle or cup of fluid at once as a large volume may make your child vomit again.

What kind of drinks should I give?

You can continue the usual drinks your child has including milk, but avoid full strength fruit juice or fizzy drinks.

Oral rehydration solution (e.g. dioralyte) is a salt and sugar solution which comes in sachets which helps to replace what is being lost. This can be used to supplement your child’s normal fluids.

If your child is breast-fed, you should continue to breast–feed. You may need to feed them more often, and some children need additional formula feeds.

If your child is formula-fed you should continue giving full-strength feeds, but small amounts more frequently.

What about food?

Don’t worry if your child doesn’t feel like eating. Offer food that isn’t too fatty or sugary – try crackers, toast or plain biscuits to start with. Their appetite will improve as they start to recover.

When should I ask for more help or advice?

Seek advice if:

The diarrhoea has blood in it.
Your child becomes more sleepy, lethargic or irritable than usual.
Your child seems unable to keep any fluids down.
Your child has a high temperature.
Your child has more than 9 loose stools in 24 hours.
Your child has severe abdominal pain.

You can call your health visitor or General Practitioner.

You can call the 111 advice line.

If you are worried your child is becoming more unwell you should return to the Emergency Department.

When can my child return to school or nursery?

When 48 hours has passed since their last episode of diarrhoea or vomiting then they are safe to return

How can I stop it happening again?

Gastroenteritis is an infection which can be passed on from person to person or in contaminated food. Always wash hands before preparing food or eating, and after nappy changes or going to the toilet.

Children with diarrhoea or vomiting should not share towels with other children and should not swim in a public swimming pool until 2 weeks after recovery.

References

National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (2009); Clinical Guideline 48, Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children. Available at www.nice.org.uk

Bristol Royal Hospital for Children local guideline on Gastroenteritis

How to contact us

Hospital switchboard: 0117 950 5050