The main symptoms of acute gastroenteritis in infants include diarrhea, vomiting, fever, and abdominal pain. Prompt medical attention is necessary to avoid serious complications such as dehydration. Treatment primarily involves fluid replacement, dietary adjustments, and symptomatic medication, while also focusing on infection prevention and enhanced nursing care.
1. Diarrhea is the most common symptom of acute gastroenteritis in infants, characterized by increased frequency of bowel movements, loose or watery stools, which may be accompanied by mucus or blood streaks. Diarrhea leads to a significant loss of water and electrolytes, requiring timely replenishment with oral rehydration salts or intravenous fluids to prevent dehydration. Breastfed infants can continue breastfeeding, while formula-fed infants can temporarily switch to lactose-free formula.
2. Vomiting is another common symptom, which may be accompanied by loss of appetite and nausea. Frequent vomiting can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, requiring small, frequent feedings of water or oral rehydration salts, and intravenous rehydration if necessary. Avoid feeding greasy or hard-to-digest foods; try bland, easily digestible foods such as rice water or apple puree.
3. Fever is the body's immune response to infection, and body temperature may rise above 38°C. Physical cooling methods such as tepid water baths can be used. If necessary, antipyretic medications such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen can be used under the guidance of a doctor. Monitor body temperature changes carefully to avoid febrile seizures.
4. Abdominal pain manifests as crying and restlessness in the infant, abdominal bloating, or tenderness. Gently massage the infant's abdomen to promote intestinal peristalsis and gas expulsion. Avoid feeding gas-producing foods such as beans and carbonated drinks; if necessary, use probiotics to regulate the intestinal flora.
5. Dehydration is a serious complication of acute gastroenteritis, manifested as decreased urine output, dry mouth, sunken eyes, and poor skin turgor. Close monitoring of the infant's urine output and mental state is necessary, along with timely replenishment of fluids and electrolytes. If necessary, seek medical attention for intravenous rehydration.
6. Infection prevention is key to reducing the incidence of acute gastroenteritis. Pay attention to hand hygiene, wash hands frequently, and avoid contact with sources of infection. Baby bottles and utensils should be sterilized regularly, and unclean food and water should be avoided. Breastfeeding helps strengthen the baby's immunity and reduces the risk of infection.
The symptoms of acute gastroenteritis in infants are diverse and require timely identification and treatment to avoid serious complications. Treatment mainly involves fluid replacement, dietary adjustments, and symptomatic medication, while also paying attention to infection prevention and enhanced nursing care. Parents should closely monitor changes in their infant's symptoms and seek medical attention promptly if necessary to ensure the infant's health and safety.