best medicine for gastroenteritis - #19360
I am really worried because my son came down with gastroenteritis last night. We were at a family gathering, and I thought he just had a little upset stomach from the food, but then it got worse. He’s been throwing up and has had watery diarrhea. I knew something wasn’t right when he complained about cramping in his stomach and then just couldn’t keep anything down. We did try to give him some clear fluids, but he just throws it right back up. I called the pediatrician, and they said it sounds like gastroenteritis, but they didn't really provide a clear answer about the best medicine for gastroenteritis. I’m really confused because I read online about different treatments, and some say over-the-counter meds might help, while others caution against it for kids. What’s the best medicine for gastroenteritis in cases like this? Should I just be focusing on keeping him hydrated, or is there something that can help ease his symptoms? Also, has anyone found certain meds more effective? I just want him to feel better; watching him suffer is tough. Should I be considering anything in addition to what the doc said?
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Doctors' responses
When dealing with gastroenteritis, particularly in children, the primary focus is indeed on hydration management rather than specific medications. For kids, the biggest risk is dehydration due to vomiting and diarrhea, so Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) like Pedialyte are often strongly recommended. You should aim to give him small sips frequently, even every few minutes, as this may be better tolerated than larger amounts at once. Avoid sugary drinks and sodas, as they can sometimes worsen diarrhea. If vomiting is persistent, giving him a break and then trying again after a short period can be useful. In terms of medications, generally, over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medications like loperamide are not recommended for children unless specifically advised by a healthcare provider, as they can sometimes cause more harm in young kids.
For fevers or pain from cramping, acetaminophen can be administered according to the dosage guidelines appropriate for his age and weight. Avoid ibuprofen if he’s dehydrated as it might irritate the stomach lining further. If he’s really struggling to keep any fluids down, or if he shows signs like a very dry mouth, becoming lethargic, or not urinating – it may be prudent to seek immediate medical attention since rehydration might need to be administered intravenously. Always keep an eye on red-flag symptoms and follow the pediatrician’s advice closely. The illness is often viral and self-limiting, so a combination of time, proper care, and close monitoring is usually the course of action.
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