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Summer brings joy, school vacations, outdoor fun, and unfortunately, a surge in gastrointestinal infections among children. The combination of heat, dehydration, and increased exposure to contaminated food and water creates an ideal environment for these infections to spread.

Viral Gastroenteritis or stomach flu, which is caused by viruses like rotavirus or norovirus, bacterial infections such as Salmonella, E. coli, and Shigella from contaminated food or water, and parasitic infections like giardiasis and amoebiasis, due to poor hygiene or drinking untreated water, are seen in children during summer.

Dt. Inshara Mahedvi, Consultant- Dietitian, Motherhood Hospital, Lullanagar, Pune, shared that the causes are contaminated food and water, as many eat street food or improperly stored meals, which can cause gastrointestinal trouble. Poor hand hygiene and not washing hands after using the toilet or before eating, eating unwashed fruits and vegetables, dehydration due to hot water, and fluid loss can raise the chances of gastrointestinal infections.

Symptoms

• Nausea and vomiting

• Abdominal cramps

• Loose stools or diarrhea

• Fever

• Loss of appetite

• Fatigue or weakness

• Dehydration, like dry mouth, less urination, or sunken eyes

Complications

If not treated promptly, GI infections can lead to

• Dehydration

• Electrolyte imbalance

• Malnutrition

• Delayed physical growth

• Hospitalization in extreme cases

Diagnosis

The expert can advise stool examination, blood tests, and electrolyte level assessment to check dehydration.

Treatment

Given rising gastroenteritis cases, oral rehydration solutions (ORS) are essential. Antipyretics for fever, antibiotics, or antiparasitics should be taken only when prescribed by the doctor. Adequate sleep will be necessary for children. Moreover, children are advised to take probiotics to restore gut flora.

Pay attention to the child’s eating habits: It is necessary to eat a balanced diet consisting of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and proteins. Parents, ensure the child avoids junk, spicy, oily, canned, and processed foods. Avoid eating street food as it can lead to food poisoning. Give the child nimbu pani, chaas, or nariyal pani to drink and help stay hydrated.  Children should stay away from bakery products, desserts, and sweets. Parents can seek the help of an expert regarding what to add or delete from the diet.

Preventive measures

Regular hand washing is important for children and caregivers,  make sure that the child avoids eating stale food and eats freshly made home-cooked food,  rink boil drinking water. The child should eat light, easily digestible food, including curd, buttermilk, and bananas, to soothe the stomach. Small, frequent meals are better than large portions. Staying alert and acting early ensures your child enjoys a healthy, happy summer.

Parents must stay vigilant and take preventive steps to ensure their child’s health remains intact through the hot months.