Gastroenteritis  (kids)

• Typically well before they start vomiting if viral gastro
• Differentials – sepsis, head injury, meningitis, raised ICP, abdominal conditions – e.g. Surgical obstruction, appendicitis, endocrine/metabolic – Addisons, DKA, medications/ poisoning

• Treatment
  • Oral hydration
  • Exclude school until 48 hours after last vomit/diarrhoea
  • Antiemetic – ondansetron
  • Hand hygiene advise

• Transient lactose intolerance
  • Common after acute gastroenteritis
  • Stools commonly remain loose for 1-2 weeks
  • Frothy, watery explosive stools – commonly fafter mil
  • If the mother is breastfeeding, continue to do so, do not need to change to a lactose free infant formula, use lactase enzymes or cut out lactose from their diet
  • if the child is not being breast fed, change onto lactose free infant formula
  • Do low lactose diet for 2-4 weeks – can get low lactose forumla
  • If the child is having solids, a low lactose diet should also be followed. This involves avoiding all key sources of lactose i.e. fresh, heat treated and powdered cow’s milk and other mammalian milks e.g. sheep, goat and dairy products including soft and cottage cheeses, yogurt, fromage frais and ice cream.