How To Treat Stomach-Related Illnesses in Children
According to Dr. Poinsett, green diarrhea is usually due to gastroenteritis, a stomach virus. Her tips for managing green diarrhea is to switch to a bland diet for a few days (bananas, rice, pasta, applesauce, toast, crackers), and offer fluids such as Pedialyte, broth, milk, or baby formula.
"It's okay to continue breastfeeding if your child has diarrhea," Dr. Poinsett recommends. "Seek out medical attention if your child has more than five stools in 24 hours, decreased wet diapers or urination, decreased tears, or dry mouth."
What Should You Do if Your Child Is Not Eating?
Sometimes during times of tummy upset, your child may eat very little—or nothing at all. If your child is ill, they will start eating once they feel better. If your child isn't eating much, it can be helpful to decrease the size of the meals you are offering your child, or feed them smaller, more frequent meals, says Dr. Poinsett. If your child is not able to keep any fluids down or hasn't eaten for 24 hours, it's important to be in touch with your pediatrician, she adds.
Besides illness, there are various reasons why a child may not eat, says Dr. Rodriguez, including lack of appetite; behavioral conditions, like picky eating; or medical conditions that result in decreased appetite or food intolerance. "It is recommended to seek medical assistance when simple and common interventions are not successful,
poor eating is associated with significant weight loss or trouble gaining weight, and/or if there are any other associated symptoms that may point towards other medical considerations," he advises.
When To Worry About Stomach Issues
Most stomach-related illnesses aren't reasons to panic, says Dr. Regan. But there are a few scenarios to keep your eyes on. Some red flags would be acute tummy pain that hurts "more than ever," says Dr Regan. If this is accompanied by fever, nausea, or vomiting, you should seek immediate medical attention.
Other signs that might mean a doctor visit, according to Dr. Regan, include unexplained weight loss in your child, behavioral changes (sleeping extra or missing school), a burning sensation in the throat or stomach, blood in stool, or intermittent fevers.
It can be helpful to know the signs of appendicitis (infection of the appendix), a condition that requires emergency medical care. Signs of appendicitis include:
- Intense pain near the belly button or low right area of the stomach
- Fever
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea, sometimes with mucus
- A swollen stomach