What is viral gastroenteritis? - Raffles Medical Group

How do you manage gastroenteritis?1. Drink plenty of clear fluids ONLY for 24 hours at least, and continue clearfluids ONLY until 24 hours after the diarrhoea has stopped.Clear fluids are those fluids you can see through if you hold them up to thelight, for example:• Lemonade• Weak black tea with sugar• Glucose & water• Cordial• Soup cube in hot water• Gastrolyte from the pharmacySugared drinks such as lemonade or cordial should be diluted to about 1:2-1:4 parts of water before consumption.You need plenty of fluids to replace the loss through vomiting & diarrhoea.Continue with plenty of fluids until fully recovered.2. No dairy products until completely better as they aggravate diarrhoea.3. Small amounts of a light diet consisting of foods which are low in fat & fibremay be begun 24 hours after the diarrhoea has stopped, for example:• Cooked & mashed vegetables• Chicken noodle soup or other clear broth• Lean meat or poultry• Stewed & pureed fruits• Plain biscuits• Boiled rice or potatoes• Bread/toast• BananasAvoid: Raw vegetables & fruit / wholegrain breads / muesli / milk desserts orspicy foods / fats4. Paracetamol - 2 tablets every 4 hours for fever or aches & pains.If absolutely necessary, add Maxolon or Stemetil to relieve the nausea, andLomotil or Imodium to relieve the diarrhea.NB - Please check with your doctor first before taking any of these medicinesmentioned.