Gastroenteritis
Date issued: November 2024
For review: November 2026
Ref: A-483/NK/Child Health/Gastroenteritis v2
PDF: Gastroenteritis[pdf] 263KB
What is Gastroenteritis?
Gastroenteritis is a bowel infection that causes diarrhoea (watery poo) and sometimes vomiting. Usually, the vomiting will settle within a few days but the diarrhoea can sometimes last up to 10 days.
It can be caused by many different germs, but it is most commonly caused by a virus. Although gastroenteritis does not usually require children to take any medicine, it is very important they drink plenty to prevent dehydration.
Signs and Symptoms.
If your child has gastroenteritis they may…..
- Feel unwell and not want to eat or drink
- Vomit in the first few days
- Have diarrhoea which can last up to 10 days
- Have stomach pain
- Have a fever
Care at Home
The most important thing is to ensure your child is drinking fluids often to prevent dehydration. This can be water or oral rehydration solution, such as Dioralyte. Energy drinks such as Lucozade are not suitable for rehydration. It is still ok to give your child formula or breastmilk, but some children may not feel like drinking milk.
Do not give your child medications as these can be harmful for children.
Your child’s weight is………..Kg
He/she needs to take AT LEAST …………mls in 24 hours.
If your child is vomiting, try giving small amounts frequently. Large volumes of fluid may make your child vomit.
Gastroenteritis is contagious so it is important to wash your hands regularly. Try to keep your child away from other children and off from school or nursery until their symptoms have resolved for 48 hours.
When to see a Doctor
All babies under 6 months who have diarrhoea and vomiting should be checked by a doctor as they are at risk of becoming dehydrated quickly.
Any child should see a doctor if…..
- Are not drinking or not keeping any fluid down
- Have more than 8-10 poos in a day
- Diarrhoea continues past 10 days
- Have green vomit
- Have blood in their poo
- Have very bad or persistent stomach-ache
- Shows signs of dehydration such as drowsiness, not passing urine in more than 8 hours, have dry lips and mouth
- Or if you are worried about your child in any other way
Please do not hesitate to contact the nurse or hospital doctor when within your 72 hours open access or contact your health visitor or GP for further advice outside of this time.
72 hours open access
Your child has been given 72 hours open access to the children’s assessment unit.
This enables you to contact a nurse/doctor if you are concerned about your child and need advice if the symptoms worsen or continue.
Advice is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on 01752 430401 if within your 72 hours open access.
Should your child become unwell once the 72 hours open access has ended then please contact your GP or if necessary the emergency department.
In an emergency please call 999
