Diarrhoea in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Most babies have loose bowel action during their first six months due to their predominantly liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusual watery diarrhoea should be treated by taking the baby off solids and feeding baby a cooled solution of boiled water with a teaspoon of sugar and a small pinch of salt to the pint. If the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied by rash, vomiting, or floppiness, consult your doctor. Top of the Page Gastroenteritis Gastroenteritis describes a group of diseases affecting the stomach or part of the intestine.
Symptoms are often diarrhoea, sickness and stomach ache.
Because the lining of the stomach is likely to be inflamed medicines are often immediately vomited. Large quantities of water, diluted fruit juice, or thin soup should be taken to counter the effects of dehydration. Consult your doctor if symptoms persist for more than a day or, in the case of babies or young children, a few hours. Top of the Page Stomach Ache Most attacks are not serious and are usually caused by indigestion or wind. A hot water bottle will often relieve the symptoms and, in the case of indigestion, a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda in half a glass of water will help.