Dr. Faisal Al-Shallal: 5 Ways to Prevent Gastroenteritis in Children
Dr. Wala’a Hafez – With the peak of summer months and rising temperatures, children’s cases of gastrointestinal diseases increase, with gastroenteritis being the most common health issue during this period. This is due to favorable conditions for the proliferation of viruses and bacteria in food and water, alongside increased travel and outings, eating out, and sometimes poor adherence to personal hygiene and handwashing rules, making children more susceptible to infection. Although most cases of gastroenteritis are mild and improve within a few days with appropriate treatment, they may require prompt medical intervention if they lead to dehydration, especially in infants and young children, who lose fluids and salts rapidly due to repeated diarrhea and vomiting. Estimates from the World Health Organization indicate that diarrheal diseases remain among the leading causes of illness in children worldwide, making prevention and awareness crucial, particularly during the summer season.
The causes of gastroenteritis vary between viral infections, which are the most common, and bacterial or parasitic infections, often linked to consuming contaminated food or water. Symptoms also differ from child to child but generally include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, and loss of appetite, with the possibility of dehydration signs that warrant not delaying a doctor’s visit. Amid the rising number of cases during hot months, the importance of knowing preventive measures becomes evident, including hand hygiene, storing food at appropriate temperatures, ensuring drinking water safety, and recognizing signs that require medical care. In this interview, Dr. Faisal Al-Shalal, Consultant of Pediatrics and Pediatric Respiratory Medicine at Al-Salam Hospitals, explains the reasons for the spread of gastroenteritis among children during summer, its main symptoms, home management methods, cases requiring hospital visits, and key tips for protecting children and enjoying a safe and healthy summer vacation.
**Gastroenteritis**
Dr. Al-Shalal clarified in his conversation with Al-Qabas that gastroenteritis is an inflammation of the stomach and intestines, usually caused by a viral infection, and is also known as "stomach flu." In some cases, it may be caused by bacterial inflammation. He stated: "Infection occurs when consuming contaminated food or water. It also spreads among people who have close contact or share food. The infection can also be transmitted by touching a surface contaminated with the virus and then touching the mouth, or when children put their fingers or other objects contaminated with the virus into their mouths."
**Symptoms**
Dr. Al-Shalal noted that symptoms may appear one to three days after viral infection, ranging from mild to severe. They usually last only one or two days, but in some cases, symptoms may persist for up to two weeks. The most common symptoms include:
* Nausea or vomiting.
* Diarrhea, which may sometimes be bloody.
* Abdominal cramps and pain.
* Fever.
* General lethargy and loss of appetite.
* Signs of dehydration, such as thirst, dry mouth, yellowish or reduced urine output, severe weakness, and dizziness.
In infants, signs of dehydration include dry mouth and thirst, crying without tears, diapers remaining dry for hours, sunken fontanelle (soft spot on the head), unusual lethargy, or lack of responsiveness.
**Visiting the Doctor**
Dr. Al-Shalal emphasized the necessity of consulting a doctor if vomiting persists, especially if the child cannot keep fluids down. He said: "If vomiting or diarrhea continues for several days, particularly if the diarrhea is bloody, or if the child suffers from severe abdominal pain that is unbearable, a doctor should be consulted immediately. This also applies if pain worsens, fever persists, or signs of dehydration appear."
**Diagnosis and Treatment**
Dr. Al-Shalal pointed out that diagnosis is usually made through medical history and clinical examination, which may be sufficient for the doctor. However, in cases accompanied by dehydration, blood tests may be required to assess the severity of dehydration. In some cases, the doctor may request a stool sample to rule out any potential bacterial or parasitic causes.
Regarding treatment, Dr. Al-Shalal explained that there is usually no specific medication for viral gastroenteritis, and antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. He said: "Treatment initially focuses on managing symptoms, such as using gastrointestinal pain relievers, anti-emetics for vomiting, and fever reducers, along with administering oral or intravenous fluids to compensate for fluid loss in cases of dehydration." He added: "If gastroenteritis caused by a bacterial infection is diagnosed, the doctor may prescribe antibiotics. Most cases of gastroenteritis are treated outside the hospital, but a small percentage may require hospitalization due to severe dehydration or fluid instability, especially in newborns or cases of weakened immunity, following the attending physician’s evaluation."
**Prevention Methods**
Dr. Al-Shalal highlighted that the best way to prevent the spread of infection is vaccination against gastroenteritis caused by certain viruses, such as the rotavirus. This vaccine is given to children in their first year, reducing the severity of symptoms for this disease. Additionally, the following preventive measures should be taken:
1. Get vaccinated against gastroenteritis caused by certain viruses, such as the rotavirus, during the child’s first year.
2. Wash hands thoroughly.
3. Use personal items, such as towels, and do not share them with others at home.
4. Avoid sharing food utensils, drinking cups, or plates with others.
5. Avoid close contact with anyone infected with the virus, if possible. If someone in the household is infected, hard surfaces should be disinfected regularly.
