My five-year-old started in school in September and has recurrent bouts of diarrhoea and vomiting. What can I do?
Conventional remedy:
Gastroenteritis is an infection of the bowel that can cause diarrhoea and vomiting. It is usually caused by a virus or by bacteria from contaminated food. The condition is common in children and can be very easily picked up from others. As your child has recently started school, he may have been in contact with and therefore been infected by someone who has the infection. They themselves may have developed an immunity to it but can still pass on the bug to others.
The main symptoms of gastroenteritis are: frequent, loose bowel motions, vomiting and crampy abdominal pain. In young children they may have a fever, experience anal soreness and cry due to pain, hunger, nausea or discomfort. Vomiting usually occurs early on and tends to settle within a day or so. Diarrhoea can last for up to 10 days, but it is more usual for it to clear within two to three days.
The main problem with vomiting and diarrhoea, especially in children, is the risk of dehydration. This is a loss of water from the body along with a loss of essential minerals such as sodium chloride and potassium. The danger signs to watch for are: very dry skin or tongue, pallor, sunken eyes, difficulty waking up and listlessness. If any of these signs are present you should contact your doctor immediately. It may be necessary for your child to receive intravenous fluids in hospital.
The main rule for managing gastroenteritis is to give small amounts of clear fluids often. A rehydrating preparation from the chemist, containing glucose and minerals, is ideal. Otherwise, clear fluids such as water, diluted fruit juices or diluted lemonade should be used. Solid foods should be excluded for the first 24 hours.
As gastroenteritis is highly infectious, you should ensure good hygiene for your son and anyone caring for him. He should be kept away from other family members for about 24 hours after the last bout of diarrhoea or vomiting in order to limit its spread.
You should contact your doctor immediately if diarrhoea is profuse or vomiting persists; if severe abdominal pain develops; if any of the danger signs are present; or if symptoms recur after reintroduction of a normal diet. Inquire at school if other children are having the same problem. If not, you should make an appointment for your child to see your family doctor to rule out a more serious cause.
Dr Muiris Houston
Alternative remedy:
Anxiety can often bring on diarrhoea, and if this is the only symptom the homeopathic remedies of Lycopodium or Gelsemium may be useful. However, since your child has both diarrhoea and vomiting, you must decide which of the following remedies fit the symptoms best.
One dose (in a 6c or 30c potency) of one of these remedies may be all that is needed, so don't repeat the dose unless the same symptoms return. It is very important only to give the minimum amount necessary to get the best result. Encourage the child to drink plenty of fluids (but not fizzy drinks).
Argentum nitricum is suitable for a child who is very restless, hurried and over-heated and needs fresh air. Symptoms may include a violent, colicky pain, belching, flatulence and a desire for sweets, and the diarrhoea and vomiting are usually worse as the time for school draws near.
Arsenicum is suitable for a child who feels weak, chilly, restless and afraid of being alone. He or she may wish for sips of warm drinks. Symptoms may include burning stomach pains and the diarrhoea itself is burning and makes the bottom sore.
Phosphorus is suitable for a child who has a violent thirst for cold drinks and tends to vomit 15 minutes after eating or drinking. Such a child may also be nervous of thunderstorms.
Once the diarrhoea and vomiting is better, the child may seem weakened and dehydrated. If so, give the homeopathic remedy China 6c or 30c. If the problem persists, see a registered homeopath.
Mary Aspinwall, registered homeopath
The Irish Society of Homeopaths is on 091-565040; www.irishsocietyofhomeopaths.com