Gastrointestinal Infection In Babies: What You Need To Do

Gastrointestinal infection in babies is a disease that can lead to serious problems. For that reason,  it is important to catch it early and follow the appropriate action plan.

To avoid complications, it is essential to know what the warning signs are. There are also specific things that one can do to take care of the baby so that the condition gets better. You should also evaluate the need for a rotavirus vaccine when the baby is still small, but  always follow the pediatrician’s recommendations.

What is gastrointestinal infection in babies?

Gastrointestinal infection is an  infection of the gastrointestinal tract  that typically affects both the stomach and intestines. It usually begins with the following signs and symptoms:

• Diarrhea:  Usually, babies’ stools are soft or liquid. This makes it difficult to identify diarrhea. If you notice changes in your stools or there seems to be much more of it, then you should talk to your pediatrician.

• Vomiting:  It is important to be able to distinguish between vomiting and fly. To do this, it is important to know that vomiting takes place with forced ejaculation, while flies have an easy ejaculation, which is typically accompanied by belching.
• Fever:  External temperature (measured in the armpit or groin) of more than 37.5 ° C.
• Abdominal pain:  This is the most difficult symptom to identify, as the only clue will be that the baby is crying.

What causes gastrointestinal infection in babies?

The primary cause of this condition is an infectious disease that can occur due to  viruses, bacteria or parasites. In terms of viruses, rotavirus is the most common and most important in developed countries.

This condition can also be due to infections outside the intestines, such as urinary tract infections or otitis media. It can even occur in non-infectious diseases, such as dietary disorders or other more systemic disorders.

What can I do to prevent this disease?

To prevent gastrointestinal infection in babies,  you will need to consider the primary cause. As we mentioned earlier, bacteria are the primary causes and we need to prevent transmission and infection.

As a consequence, you should do the following things to help  prevent transmission:

• Wash your hands frequently. This is one of the primary steps to break the chain of transmission of bacteria.

• Follow the  recommendations to store baby milk very carefully,  whether it is breast milk or substitute.
• Avoid contact with adults or children who show signs  or symptoms of illness. If you are not sure if the person is contagious at the moment, then it is better to be on the safe side: Limit or cancel visits.
• Do not kiss babies on the mouth or hands  if any possible infections are suspected. Saliva is a carrier of many diseases.
• Have good hygiene for nipples, pacifiers and pacifiers. Clean nipples and wash pacifiers and pacifier heads daily.
• Vaccinate the child according to the vaccination plan. Ask your pediatrician or health care professional for information about the rotavirus vaccine.

When should I go to the doctor?

Gastrointestinal infection in babies is a disease that  requires extra monitoring by parents and / or family. Among the most common complications are:

• Dehydration  due to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes.
• Hypoglycaemia,  as a result of lowered blood sugar levels.
• Temporary lactose intolerance,  due to loss of enzymes in the walls of the intestines.

To avoid these situations, it is advisable to  go to the pediatrician or the emergency room when any of the following warning signs occur:

• If diarrhea occurs in babies under 6 months of age.
• If the baby has a fever of 38ºC or higher.
• When the baby vomits or refuses to eat.

• Once weight loss has been confirmed.
• If the stool contains blood or mucus.

The pediatrician can make a diagnosis of gastrointestinal infection after evaluating the condition and symptoms. As a result of the examination, one can perform a test of the stool to identify the bacterium which caused gastrointestinal infection.

Treatment of gastrointestinal infection in babies

When a baby begins to show possible symptoms of gastrointestinal infection, parents and caregivers should keep a close eye on the condition and pay attention to food intolerance:

• Continue breastfeeding. This is one of the most important steps to take when dealing with this condition in babies and newborns. However, infant formula should not be diluted and you should maintain the same dose when making the replacement.
• After the examination, the pediatrician can identify the need for additional treatment based on providing  oral supplements to restore hydration.

• If your baby is unable to hold fluids down, then your doctor may evaluate the need for fluid drops to promote recovery and avoid serious complications.

Do you suspect this disease in your baby? If you identify the symptoms,  go to a pediatrician as soon as possible. They can decide the best treatment based on the child’s needs.