Question 1

my child has gastroenteritis and diarrhea.  should i give him imodium(r)?

Accepted Answer

No, thank you: While it seems like you need to do something! to slow down the diarrhea, these "anti-diarrheal" drugs are not recommended. They are less effective than you think and may have harmful side effects.

Question 2

can i give my 13yr old daughter some pepto bismal. she was diagnosed w/gastroenteritis on 3/27/13.she stills have a lil diarrhea only. so can i or not?

Accepted Answer

No: While the risk is fairly small, salicylates (such as Bismuth Subsalicylate in pepto bismol, (bismuth subsalicylate) adult version) has been linked with reye syndrome in children, even up to the teenage years.  You can consider getting the children's version of the medication, which does not have the salicylate in it.

Question 3

can i drink coconut water when having gastroenteritis and diarrhea?

Accepted Answer

Coconut water: You should be on clear liquids for 24 hours  with gastroenteritis. Usually means clear sodas or electrolyte drinks. Could use gelatin and popsicles. Some people get diarrhea from coconut water, especially if they drink a lot of it.

Question 4

my child has gastroenteritis, my breastfeeding increases his diarrhea.  should i stop breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

No: Breastfeeding is the best choice for your baby. 
However, if it persists, you should speak to the pediatrician to see if any further work up may be necessary to rule out any metabolic disorders.

Question 5

i was diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis 3 days ago and am still having watery diarrhea. should i be worried?

Accepted Answer

Not yet: If yo go a week or more with continued diarrhea, I would get lab tests and see your Dr  again.

Question 6

vomited/fever 5 nights ago, seemed to get better (tho appetite never returned) and only now am having diarrhea. is this common for gastroenteritis?

Accepted Answer

Most likely: The common viral gastroenteritis usally takes about 5-7 days to run its course(no pun intended).  If your symptoms persist; or if you have any additional symptoms best to see you doctor for an exam.

Question 7

been going through gastroenteritis the past few days. taking imodium, (loperamide) but most recent diarrhea had oily film on the surface. is this part of sickness?

Accepted Answer

Seek treatment: i would get checked out.  May need fluids or further testing. Stool appearance can be nonspecific.  If oily film on surface may have problem with fat absorption.  May need to see GI doc for evaluation.  Need to stay hydrated even if need help by Iv fluids because you don't want to injure kidneys or get dizzy and pass out and hit head, etc.  if stools float + oily, think about fat malabsorption.

Question 8

can gastroenteritis cause clay coloured / grey stools in a child with no other symptoms other than slight diarrhea?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: Light grey stool can be due to blockage of bile flow. If he has jaundice (yellow eyes), especially if he's an infant, he needs to be evaluated for liver disease (biliary atresia if infant).

Question 9

diarrhea for week now, labs done today were ok, no i didn't do a stool sample. can this be a part of gastroenteritis? feel worn down/tired/weak. help!

Accepted Answer

Usually: Infectious "gastroenteritis" is just that "gastro"= VOMITING "enteritis"- diarrhea ..You have the latter as a solitary symptom and this is usually termed "simple" diarrhea and is due to your dietary intake..Could you be eating unusual food (for you), ?. Under more stress than "usual" Been travelling?? In any case your diarrhea will most likely pass... you might try an OTC medication. (PeptoBismol)

Question 10

i have a nasty burp and gas.  i am bloating and have diarrhea.  i am very tired.  nausea that goes away when i burp.  is this gastroenteritis?

Accepted Answer

Probably: If the symptoms have been for few days likely.  However, if this has been for awhile you should be seen.

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Doctor answers about:

Are anti diuretics recommended for diarrhea in gastroenteritis

A member asked:

My child has gastroenteritis and diarrhea. should i give him imodium(r)?

A member asked:

Can i give my 13yr old daughter some pepto bismal. she was diagnosed w/gastroenteritis on 3/27/13.she stills have a lil diarrhea only. so can i or not?

A member asked:

Can i drink coconut water when having gastroenteritis and diarrhea?

A member asked:

My child has gastroenteritis, my breastfeeding increases his diarrhea. should i stop breastfeeding?

A member asked:

I was diagnosed with viral gastroenteritis 3 days ago and am still having watery diarrhea. should i be worried?

A member asked:

Vomited/fever 5 nights ago, seemed to get better (tho appetite never returned) and only now am having diarrhea. is this common for gastroenteritis?

A member asked:

Been going through gastroenteritis the past few days. taking imodium, (loperamide) but most recent diarrhea had oily film on the surface. is this part of sickness?

A member asked:

Can gastroenteritis cause clay coloured / grey stools in a child with no other symptoms other than slight diarrhea?

A member asked:

Diarrhea for week now, labs done today were ok, no i didn't do a stool sample. can this be a part of gastroenteritis? feel worn down/tired/weak. help!

A member asked:

I have a nasty burp and gas. i am bloating and have diarrhea. i am very tired. nausea that goes away when i burp. is this gastroenteritis?

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