Question
A 2-month-old baby is experiencing diarrhea symptoms, with dry heaves at night followed by moderate nausea and vomiting. After a day of intravenous fluids in the hospital, there has been no improvement. Tests show inflammation in the stool. If it’s enteritis, then injections should help. But the cause is still unclear today. Previous treatment and outcomes: A day of intravenous fluids in the hospital with no improvement! I want to know how to assist: Is my baby suffering from viral gastroenteritis or enteritis?
Answer
Firstly, it’s crucial to prevent dehydration, as mild dehydration in babies can manifest as thirst, dry lips, reduced urine output, and irritability or crying. Once these symptoms appear, it’s important to administer fluids to the baby; oral rehydration salts (ORS) can be purchased at a pharmacy. During the diarrhea period, precautions should be taken to prevent malnutrition, following the principle of small and frequent meals. For breastfeeding mothers, continue to focus on breastfeeding; for those who have introduced complementary foods, offer easily digestible foods such as thin porridge, noodles, minced meat and vegetable puree, and juice. It’s essential to clean the baby’s buttocks promptly to keep them dry and prevent redness and urinary tract infections.