Download GASTROENTERITIS

GASTROENTERITIS
WHAT IS IT?
It is an infection of the digestive system that appears unexpectedly and with a vengeance and usually
disappears within 1 to 3 days.
It can caused by a virus or bacteria (often result of food poisoning).
The rotavirus is the type of virus most commonly associated with gastroenteritis in young children. Since 2006,
there exists a vaccine for this, which is offered as part of the regular vaccination schedule for all children from
the age of 6 weeks.
SYMPTOMS
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Loss of appetite
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Abdominal cramps
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Watery diarrhea
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Fever
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Headache
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Fatigue
TRANSMISSION
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By food poisoning: as a result of consuming food or water contaminated with germs. In order of
importance, some examples of foods that could be vehicles for transmission include: seafood,
inadequately washed fruits and vegetables, poultry, beef and eggs.
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By contact with an infected person of object (especially when the cause is viral).
An infected person is contagious from the moment symptoms first appear
until approximately 48 hours after the symptoms have disappeared.
After infection, the symptoms appear…
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12 to 24 hours later, if the cause is viral;
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1 to 12 hours later, if the cause is bacterial;
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Approximately 30 minutes later, if poisoning is the cause.
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COMPLICATIONS
Dehydration is the main complication. A child can become severely dehydrated after only 1 or 2 days of
diarrhea.
WHEN TO CONSULT?
In the case of an infant, consult rapidly if any of the following occurs:
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signs of dehydration (extreme thirst, dry diaper, dark circles under the eyes, dry mouth, lack of tears,
sunken fontanel);
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blood in the bowel movements (can be red or black in colour);
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lethargy or excessive sleep (difficult to awaken);
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vomiting over a period of several hours;
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fever higher than 38.5°C (101,3°F);
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rapid, gasping breathing.
In the case of an adult, consult rapidly if any of the following occurs:
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dehydration that one is not able to counteract with re-hydration solutions (dryness of the mouth and
skin, decreased urination, muscle cramps, weight loss, weakness, dark circles under the eyes);
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inability to urinate within 12 hours;
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blood in the bowel movements of vomit;
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severe abdominal pain lasting longer than 2 hours;
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fever of 40°C (104°F) or higher.
Attention: diarrhea and vomiting can interfere with the absorption of medication
(example: the contraceptive pill).
PREVENTION
Viral:
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wash your hands and those of a child regularly with soap and water (especially before eating, before
preparing meals, after using the toilet and after changing diapers);
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wash well any clothing worn by infected persons;
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wash all objects and especially the toilet and sink with a bleach product;
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do not share any utensils, food or towels with an infected person;
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store toothbrushes separately from one another;
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as much as possible, avoid direct contact with the infected person.
Food poisoning:
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cook foods well, especially red meats, poultry and eggs. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours of
cooking;
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rinse under running water all fruits and vegetables to be consumed fresh or raw;
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use a separate cutting board for meats and another one for vegetables;
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after use, wash well all utensils used in food preparation;
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choose milk products that have been pasteurized.
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TREATMENT
It is preferable to isolate the sick person. Therefore, it is best to have him/her stay home and rest.
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Re-hydration is very important. In the case of an adult, wait a few hours after cessation of vomiting
before starting to re-hydrate. In the case of children, start after 30 minutes.
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Drink small sips of water or a re-hydration solution at first. A suggestion is 1 tablespoon every 10
minutes, then increase the amount gradually. If vomiting reoccurs, wait 30 minutes and then try again.
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Avoid alcohol, which can irritate the system and soft drinks such as colas or similar, which contain a lot
of sugar and can provoke diarrhea. In addition, avoid sports drinks such as Gatorade.
Re-hydration solutions : Gastrolyte, Pedialyte, Infalyte, Kaoelectrolyte or a homemade solution: mix 360 ml
(12 oz) cooled, boiled water with 2.5 ml (1/2 teaspoon) table salt. (This solution can be stored for up to 12 hours
at room temperature and 24 hours in the refrigerator).
In the case of an infant, offer a freshly prepared re-hydrating electrolyte-containing solution several times an
hour, either in small sips or on a spoon.
DIET
For an infant:
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If breastfed, offer the breast frequently. You may also alternate the breast with a bottle containing an
electrolyte solution.
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If the child is bottle-fed, continue with the regular formula but offer it more often and in smaller
quantities, alternating with an electrolyte solution.
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If the child is eating solid foods, restrict him to a liquid diet for the first 4 to 6 hours before introducing
solid food. Do not withhold milk, unless diarrhea is severe.
They must receive enough fluids to prevent dehydration.
For adults and children :
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Introduce foods starting with those that are easy to digest such as rice, bananas, potatoes, broths,
applesauce and yogurt.
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After 24 hours, you can then introduce other foods such as eggs, cheese, tender cuts of meat, as well
as fruits and cooked vegetables, except for those containing a lot of fibre (plums, prunes, grapes,
strawberries, cherries, pineapple, celery, cabbage, parsnips, tomatoes).
One can easily cure oneself of gastroenteritis.
** Newborns and infants must be seen as soon as possible by a doctor
because they can become dehydrated very rapidly.**
Specifics instructions : ________________________________________________________________________
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For further information, contact Info-Santé 8-1-1 or a healthcare professional.
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