Patient's question:
HelloMy daughter is seven months old. A few days ago, she had a fever and went to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with gastroenteritis. However, she didn't vomit. After receiving intravenous fluids, her fever has subsided, but now she is vomiting severely. She vomits shortly after eating and is also quite fussy. What could be the reason for this? How should I feed her? I urgently need a response. Thank you!
Doctor's answer:
Hello:It is recommended to continue treatment, and the following treatment plans are suggested:
1. Antibiotics: Bacterial gastroenteritis can be treated with antibiotics. Due to the gradual change in bacterial resistance, medication should be taken under the guidance of a doctor and as prescribed. Some patients may stop medication as soon as their symptoms improve, only to develop chronic colitis due to insufficient treatment, which can lead to prolonged recovery and affect the child's nutrition and health.
2. Intravenous Infusion: The most dangerous complication of diarrhea is dehydration. Children are more prone to dehydration than adults, and severe cases may experience a weight loss of over 10% of their body weight, with a mortality rate as high as 30%. Rehydration can reduce the mortality rate to below 5%, making intravenous infusion the best treatment for diarrhea. During severe illness, the intestines may become swollen and unable to absorb fluids, leading to vomiting every time the child drinks water. In such cases, intravenous treatment is essential to replenish saline and glucose. If acidosis is severe, alkali solutions may be administered, and if potassium is deficient, potassium supplements are needed. In addition to providing nutrients, fluids, and electrolytes, intravenous infusion also has a role in stopping diarrhea. When all other anti-diarrheal medications are ineffective, intravenous infusion becomes the best option for treating diarrhea.
3. Diet: During severe diarrhea, food should be temporarily withheld to allow the gastrointestinal tract to rest. Once the condition improves, the child can be fed with rice water or diluted skim milk, gradually increasing the concentration over time. Prolonged fasting should be avoided to prevent malnutrition, and vitamin supplementation should also be noted. For some children, especially those with allergic diarrhea, special dietary treatment is required under the guidance of a doctor. Diarrhea in children may seem common, but it is also one of the most deadly diseases. Therefore, severe cases should not self-medicate but must seek medical attention and a prescription.
Vomiting can be treated with medications such as metoclopramide.