With the exception of rehydration solutions, noself-medication in case of gastroenteritis! “Insists Dr. Saholy Razafi narivo-Schoreisz, pediatrician.
While waiting to consult, we adopt these few gestures:
– Systematically offer your child a solute of rehydration (ORS). This powder to be reconstituted in water contains carbohydrates and mineral salts in adequate quantities to compensate for water losses. It is taken in small sips, to prevent vomiting.
– No antidiarrhea or antivomiting drugs, because “these are two natural mechanisms of the body to get rid of the virus”, recalls the pediatrician.
– On the supply side, if the baby is breastfed, we alternate feedings and ORS. If he is on artificial milk, the doctor may advise switching to lactose-free milk for a few days (schools differ on the subject). If the baby’s food is diversified, we favor foods with properties antidiarrheals : carrot, apple, rice, potato, yoghurt…
We consult urgently if…
– The baby is less than 3 months old;
– The child no longer drinks;
– He vomits or has diarrhea in a systematic way;
– He shows signs of dehydration: dark circles in his eyes, rigid skin, sunken fontanelles, rapid breathing, drowsiness;
– He lost weight (5%). In case of significant diarrhoea, it is advisable to weigh your child every 6 hours;
– Symptoms are accompanied by high fever;
– The stools contain mucus or blood;
– He comes from a tropical country.
