Dealing with Gastroenteritis

Baby J just recovered from a bout of Gastroenteritis (which lasted all of 5 days).  It was 5 days of hell for the family, for baby J it was the total feeling of being unwell and not understanding why it's happening to her, for the hubby and I, it was the constant fear of our baby being dehydrated from all the fluid loss from both the diarrhea and vomiting.

Being both medical doctors, we of course, knew what to look out for, but when you see your baby having 6 episodes of diarrhea per day with 4 episodes of vomiting, you become extra scared because you know that dehydration is especially dangerous for babies who have a smaller fluid volume.

But the past few days of baby J's illness made me appreciate breastfeeding even more.  Even if baby J had no appetite for solid food, she at least, still continued breastfeeding (maybe even more so during this time). And because breast milk contains more whey proteins than casein, it allowed for quick and easy digestion for her.  At least, I knew she was still being nourished despite her high output.

This experience thus prompted me to share some important things regarding dehydration.

Bring your child to the doctor when you see the following WARNING SIGNS (taken from National University Hospital Kids Gastroenteritis information pamphlet):

• Signs of dehydration:
• No tears when crying
• Sunken eyes
• Less than 5 wet diapers in one day
• Dry skin, mouth, and tongue
• Sunken fontanelle
• Not willing to drink
• Frequent vomiting for more than 4 to 6 hours
• More than 6 large volume, watery diarrheas in one day
• Stomach pain that is severe and does not stop
• Fast breathing
• Very sleepy or very fussy
• Cool or grayish skin
• Severe head or neck pain
• Green vomitus
• Blood in the vomit or diarrhea
• Crying and bringing the knees up to stomach
• Fever of above 39 degrees celsius, for longer than 12 hours

 It is always heart-breaking to see your child fall ill, but in these situations, vigilance is key.  Just read through it, it may come in handy one day (although, I, of course do not wish for any parent to have the need for it if possible).