Question
The child has been vomiting and diarrhea, lacks energy, and is passing out sticky substances. The previous treatment was unclear, and now I don’t know how to handle it at home.
Answer
The child is suspected of having acute gastroenteritis, especially since autumn is the peak season for rotavirus gastroenteritis. Frequent vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and acid-base disturbances. It is advisable to seek immediate treatment at the local children’s hospital. Treatment methods include general treatment (bed rest, oral glucose-electrolyte solution to replenish fluids), symptomatic treatment (antiemetics, antispasmodics, and antidiarrheal medications), and antibiotic treatment (for infectious gastroenteritis, antibiotics may be used as appropriate, but caution should be exercised to avoid the side effects of antibiotics).