In Argentina, one minute of gastroenteritis occurs in children under 5 years of age

Gastroenteritis, the main signs of which are usually fever, vomiting and diarrhea, is responsible annually in Argentina for about one million cases of acute diarrhea, 50% of which correspond to children under 5 years of age. per minute in this vulnerable age group. In particular, cases of gastroenteritis increase during the summer months and occur more frequently in infants (younger than 1 year) and in children up to 5 years of age.

The Argentine Society of Pediatricians stressed the importance of focusing on this condition and not delaying the medical consultation, as it can lead to dehydration and serious complications, in some cases requiring hospitalization.

This disease causes about 10% of hospitalizations in early childhood and 100 deaths per year in children under 5 years of age. Fortunately, the trend in mortality rates associated with these events showed a significant reduction from the 1980s, after the introduction of therapy with oral rehydration salts.

One of the causative agents of gastroenteritis is rotavirus, which generates between 80,000 and 100,000 medical consultations per year and accounts for 4 out of 10 hospitalizations for acute diarrhea in children under 5 years of age. In Argentina, the rotavirus vaccine is incorporated into the National Immunization Program (free and compulsory) in early 2015, so it is expected to measure its favorable impact in the coming years.

All bacteria producing acute gastroenteritis enter through the mouth. For this reason, the recommendations are related to hygiene at the time of feeding. In the case of younger children, it is suggested to encourage exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life and to supplement with adequate food until the age of two, according to the recommendations of the World Health Organization and the World Health Organization. Own Pediatric Argentine Society.

Recommendations:

Wash hands before handling food and bottles

-Save food in the refrigerator

-Do not leave the remaining milk in bottles

-Water to water before preparing the bottle with milk powder

-Wash fruits and vegetables very well

-Keep the food well, especially meat and eggs

-If you prepare hamburgers, they should be well cooked and inside they should not have pink color

-Do not use the same table or countertop where I support raw meat without first washing with water and detergent

-If they eat out of the house, make sure the food is freshly cooked

-If they come to pools, ponds, rivers or sea, try to prevent children from drinking water

When faced with a case of gastroenteritis, experts suggest continuing breastfeeding the baby by breastfeeding; If it is very hot, place and place the baby in a cool place, because high temperatures increase the risk of dehydration; If you vomit, give boiled water or mineral water to teaspoons and consider giving hydration salts that are sold in pharmacies or delivered free of charge in the salons.