When Gastro-Intestinal difficulties in children arise, it could mean anything from a stomach virus to an infection somewhere in their body.

A lot of the times it could be something that the child ate earlier on that day.

According to pediatrician studies, these issues generally go away eventually, but can take anywhere from three days to a week to get over.

Symptoms of Gastro-intestinal issues

Gastro-intestinal difficulties in children often cause diarrhea, and/or vomiting.

If your child has either one of those symptoms it is important to keep them hydrated on fluids.

You should have them drinking plenty of water.

There are fluids sold in stores that have electrolytes in them which are actually better to drink than water.

Pedialyte is the most popular brand formula to use for this instance and there are even some adults who drink it.

Do not give your child:

One thing that you don’t want to give your child is a drink that has lots of sugar in it; like a soft drink.

The sugar will actually dehydrate them more which will make matters worse.

Just stick with either the water or the electrolyte fluids.

Tears, urine, and saliva

Watch how frequently your child has to urinate or whether or not he/she has tears when crying.

If their mouth is dry then they are still dehydrated and they need more fluids.

If they are crying and there aren’t any tears on their face then this is a sign as well that they are not getting enough fluids in their body.

 

Tip on getting some kids to drink fluids

Infants and toddlers can be the toughest to get to drink fluids when they are not feeling very well, which is why it would be a great idea to use a medicine syringe; like a cough syrup syringe to inject water or fluids with electrolytes in them.

Fill the syringe up and place it in the child’s mouth, inside the cheek and slowly release the fluids.

Make sure the child is swallowing.

 

Disclaimer

The following article is intended for information purpose only. It is not intended as a substitute to paediatrician or medical professional advice.

For more information about breastfeeding your child please contact your GP, NHS direct or your health visitor.

Meanwhile, for private professional consultation, please call… and make an appointment for our paediatric consultant to visit you and your child at your home.