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What to Do When Your Child Has the Stomach Flu

An upset stomach can be caused by many things. It can be caused by something as benign as gas or something more serious such as food poisoning. Gastroenteritis, commonly called the stomach flu, can also cause an upset stomach that manifests as nausea or vomiting. If your child has an upset stomach, here are four things you can do for them:

1. Encourage them to rest.

In many cases, there's nothing to cure an upset stomach besides waiting it out. While your child is feeling unwell, you should encourage them to rest. Lying still can help them feel better by quelling any nausea they might be experiencing. You can make a quiet, dark place for your child to encourage them to take a nap, if possible.

2. Make sure they stay hydrated.

An upset stomach often comes with vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms are uncomfortable, but the real concern is eventual dehydration. Your child can rapidly become dehydrated while sick to their stomach, so you should do your best to help them stay hydrated. Encourage your child to take small sips of clear liquid. Drinking too much all at once can cause them to throw up, so it's better to drink a little at a time. Rehydration solutions that contain electrolytes such as sodium and potassium may help your child hydrate better than plain water in this circumstance.

3. Call your pediatrician.

Call your pediatrician as soon as you realize your child isn't feeling well. An upset stomach can be totally benign, but it can also be a sign of a more serious problem. Your pediatrician can listen to you describe your child's symptoms over the phone and let you know if you should bring your child in for an appointment. Among other things, your pediatrician will want to know if your child has a fever since a fever is often a sign of the body trying to fight off an infection.

4. Seek emergency medical attention if necessary.

If your child is completely unable to hold down any fluids at all and if this situation persists for several hours, you may need to seek emergency medical attention. Dehydration can be fatal if left unchecked. In the emergency room, doctors can give your child fluids intravenously which will rehydrate them. They can also give them antiemetic drugs which will relieve their nausea and help them stop vomiting.

For more information on helping your child, contact pediatric clinics like BETTER FOOT CARE LLC.