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Home remedies for gastroenteritis in toddlers
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Pediatric Medicine
Question #12556
46 days ago
141

Home remedies for gastroenteritis in toddlers - #12556

Agastya

I am really worried about my little one. Last week, my toddler started having these awful stomach cramps and ended up with vomiting and diarrhea. After a visit to the doctor, they said it’s gastroenteritis, but honestly, I just hate seeing them so miserable. I try to keep them hydrated, but feeding them anything seems impossible right now. I heard from a friend that there are a bunch of home remedies for gastroenteritis in toddlers, but I’m not sure what’s safe to try. I mean, I’ve read about ginger tea or maybe banana smoothies or something, but what if it makes things worse?? It’s just frustrating cause I’m scared of giving them anything that might irritate their tummy even more. They’re only three, and I feel like every time I turn around, they’re crying or running to the bathroom again. Are there really effective home remedies for gastroenteritis in toddlers, or should I just stick to what the doctor said? I really wonder if things like warm salt water or rice water could help. Any tips would be super helpful since I’m totally lost here and time is ticking!!!

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Doctors’ responses

When dealing with gastroenteritis in toddlers, the primary goal is to ensure they stay hydrated and replenish any lost fluids and electrolytes. The most important thing is to continue offering small amounts of oral rehydration solutions (ORS), which are designed to restore vital salts and sugars. These can be found in pharmacies. Water alone isn’t enough, as it doesn’t adequately replace lost electrolytes. Trying small sips of ORS every 5 to 10 minutes can be much more effective for little ones who might be reluctant to drink. You mentioned ginger tea and banana smoothies; these aren’t typically recommended for such young children, especially if they’re still vomiting. Instead, focus on bland, easy-to-digest foods once vomiting has stopped. The BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) could be reintroduced gradually. In terms of home remedies, rice water can be soothing. To prepare it, boil rice and use the water drained from it, making sure it’s lukewarm and safe for your child to drink. Avoid giving them anything spicy, fatty, or dairy-based for a while, as these can irritate their sensitive tummy. Be cautious with salt water, as an improper mix can actually cause harm if consumed in excess. If your toddler appears extremely lethargic, has bloody diarrhea, or if you notice any signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, decreased urine output), it’s important to seek medical attention promptly, as these could be signs that require more urgent care. Remember, safety and gradual rehydration are key, and it’s always best to stick to what’s medically recommended if you’re uncertain about any certain remedies.

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