Written by Gunjan Bedi
If mild diarrhea, vomiting, cramps, and irritability are the visible signs shown by your toddler, there are chances that s/he has been attacked with an infection of the stomach and intestines. This infection can also be referred to as gastroenteritis in toddlers. Since this is a matter of serious concern, you will be provided with detailed information on all the sub-heads related to toddler gastroenteritis. Let’s begin!
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the digestive system (basically stomach and intestines), which causes inflammation in the digestive tract, as a result of which vomiting happens. It may be caused because of any virus, bacteria, or parasitic condition which is unfavorable for the normal person. The other names for gastroenteritis are tummy bug, food poisoning, stomach flu, intestinal flu, and traveler’s diarrhea.
Gastroenteritis in toddlers or stomach flu in toddlers may occur because of causes that can be classified under viruses, bacteria, parasites, chemical toxins, and drugs. In very rare situations, it may also be the result of an allergic condition (eosinophilic gastroenteritis) or a food allergy.
In toddlers Viral Gastroenteritis is contagious and usually spreads at schools and daycare centers. The most common stomach viruses in toddlers are Norovirus, Rotavirus, Astrovirus, and Adenovirus. The viral gastroenteritis spreads through sneezing, spitting, or fecal-oral transmission as initiated by the infected individual.
It is caused because of touching or eating contaminated foods, drinking unpasteurized milk or juice, touching animals with a bacterial infection, drinking contaminated water, or swallowing contaminated water from swimming pools. The bacterias that cause gastroenteritis in toddlers are Escherichia coli (E. coli), Salmonella, Campylobacter, Shigella, Yersinia, and Clostridium Difficile. Such bacterias also grow in foods that are not properly refrigerated or are stale.
The Parasitic Gastroenteritis like Giardia Intestinalis and Cryptosporidium Parvum happens because of drinking contaminated water or also by fecal-oral transmission.
This may occur because of accidentally ingesting chemical toxins found in plants or certain kinds of exotic seafood, or chemically contaminated water and food.
This is caused when accidentally kids intake antacids or antibiotics.
The most common symptoms of stomach flu in toddlers or gastroenteritis in toddlers are:
If diarrhea and vomiting of the toddler do not stop even after 2-3 days, and the below-mentioned signs are visible, then it is suggestive to visit the doctor without delay:
The gastroenteritis in toddlers, which is commonly referred to as stomach flu, can be treated and healed within a few days in most cases. But sometimes situations might get out of control as shared above. In such cases, don’t hesitate to visit the doctor immediately. And remember, in any case, proper provision for liquid intake should be there to prevent dehydration in toddlers.
Gunjan Bedi an inspirational writer and story teller. My background in medical science make me a perfect content writer in parenting and medical content writing niche. My content has touched millions of readers within three years. Since past three years I have worked with several clients in different niche and provide easy to read content that readers love the most.Read more.
Top Healthy Snack Ideas For Toddlers (12 to 24 Months)
Hair Loss in Toddlers – Top Causes, Prevention and Home Remedies
Yeast Infection in Toddlers – Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment
Object-to-Picture Matching Skills in Toddlers – Top Benefits and How to Start
Toddler Crying at Bedtime – Tips For Parents to Deal With it
Top 9 Preschools in Delhi For 2024 – 2025
Get regular updates, great recommendations and other right stuff at the right time.