Causes and routes of infection
Viral intestinal infections, primarily rotavirus and norovirus, predominate in children even in the cold season. Bacterial - salmonellosis, dysentery, campylobacteriosis, escherichiosis - are more often associated with animal products, eggs, dairy products and violation of the temperature regime of storage. A separate group consists of foodborne toxic infections, when bacteria have managed to multiply in food and accumulate toxins: then the disease begins very quickly, a few hours after eating. Protozoa like Giardia cause longer-lasting diarrhea.
- Viruses: rotavirus, norovirus, adenovirus
- Bacteria: salmonella, shigella, campylobacter, E. coli
- Bacterial toxins in spoiled food
- Protozoa: lamblia, amoeba
- Contaminated water and ice
- Unwashed vegetables, fruits and herbs
- Dirty hands and shared utensils
Symptoms and what they mean
Copious watery stools without blood at a moderate temperature are characteristic of viral infections and toxic infections. Frequent, scanty stools with mucus, blood and painful urges indicate damage to the colon, which is typical for dysentery and requires mandatory consultation with a doctor. Vomiting that begins a few hours after a particular dish indicates a foodborne illness. It is important to evaluate not only stool, but also signs of dehydration: dry mouth, thirst, decreased amount of urine, weakness.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loose stools several to many times a day
- Cramping pain in the abdomen
- Temperature rise
- Weakness and headache
- Blood and mucus in the stool is a warning sign
- Dry mouth, thirst, decreased urine output
First aid and rehydration
The main thing is to immediately start replenishing fluids, without waiting for signs of dehydration to appear. Pharmacy solutions for oral rehydration are used: they contain the required ratio of salts and glucose. Drink frequently and in small portions, even if there was vomiting: after a pause of 10–15 minutes, drinking is resumed. Children are given liquid with a spoon or syringe without a needle, and continue breastfeeding. The guideline is the frequency of urination. If you refuse to drink, have uncontrollable vomiting, and show signs of severe dehydration, intravenous rehydration is needed.
- Start drinking from the first hours of illness
- Pharmacy solution for oral rehydration
- Drink 1–2 teaspoons every few minutes
- Continue breastfeeding
- Do not give sweet soda and juices
- Monitor the amount of urine
- IV infusion for severe dehydration
Nutrition and medications
Prolonged fasting slows down the restoration of the mucous membrane, so they begin to eat as soon as the vomiting goes away. Porridge with water, boiled rice, mashed potatoes, crackers, lean boiled meat, baked apple and banana are recommended. Milk, fatty foods, fried foods, sweets and fresh juices are temporarily limited. Sorbents can reduce symptoms, but do not replace rehydration. Antidiarrheal drugs should not be used if there is blood in the stool or a high fever, and they are not usually used in children. Antibiotics are prescribed by a doctor if a bacterial infection is suspected.
- Early return to food after vomiting stops
- Porridge, rice, potatoes, crackers, banana
- Limiting milk, fat and sweets
- Sorbents as an aid
- Do not use antidiarrheal drugs without a doctor
- Antibiotics only when indicated
- Gradual expansion of the diet
Prevention
Most intestinal infections are preventable with simple rules. Wash your hands with soap before eating, after using the toilet, and after handling raw meat. Do not leave ready-made dishes in a warm place: in the heat they will spoil in a matter of hours. Separate boards and knives for raw and cooked. Cook meat, poultry and eggs thoroughly. Drink boiled or bottled water, especially when traveling, and avoid ice of questionable origin. Vaccination against rotavirus is available for children, the issue of which is discussed with the pediatrician.
- Washing hands with soap
- Storing prepared food in the refrigerator
- Separate boards and knives for raw and cooked
- Complete heat treatment of meat, poultry, eggs
- Boiled or bottled water
- Be careful with street food in hot weather
- Vaccination of children against rotavirus according to the decision of the pediatrician