How to Manage Gastrointestinal Illness
When you or a family member comes down with a stomach bug, it affects the whole family. You want the illness to resolve itself and go away quickly. You try old remedies, but you wonder if they are doing any good. You worry about food-borne illness and mentally go through what was eaten in the past several days. There are possible solutions, though, some of them not too complicated.
Instructions
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Immediately stop all solid food intake and restrict fluids to clear liquids such as water, tea, flat soda or electrolyte drinks. For babies and small children, buy and administer electrolyte drinks formulated especially for children. Call your pediatrician and ask for her recommendation as to what would be the most beneficial.
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Make sure the sick person drinks only small sips of clear fluids so his stomach can better tolerate them. Designate a glass or cup for that person to use and do not allow anyone else to drink from that glass or cup. Stick masking tape to the side of the glass and write the person's name on the tape so others know not to drink from that glass.
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Keep healthy family members away from the sick person, whether it's you or someone else. If you are the sick person, designate an older child or your spouse to take care of the younger children and household until you get better.
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As you or your ill family member begin to get better, very slowly reintroduce "invalid foods" such as gelatin desserts, chicken broth, noodle soup, crackers and toast with jelly. Do not reintroduce dairy products at this time, or you may see a relapse of the illness. This includes margarine, cheese, milk and eggs. Make a rice pudding with no milk in order to help you or your family member regain lost strength.
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As more liquids and food are tolerated, maintain the invalid diet until you are sure the illness has resolved itself and moved out of your--or your family member's--intestinal system. Keep designating one cup for the recovering family member. Cross your fingers and hope nobody else gets sick.
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If symptoms aren't too serious, think back to what you or your ill family member ate. Sometimes, a huge serving of ice cream or other sugary food can lead to watery or diarrhea-like stools. After the symptoms have gone away, use caution in serving sweets. Think "portion control" for health.
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Tips & Warnings
Keep your doctor's number handy in the event that symptoms do not begin to ease. Consider the possibility of food poisoning or something serious such as appendicitis. Try to keep your home clean by mopping up "accidents" quickly. Disinfect these areas and clean your bathroom frequently.
Be aware that very young babies and children are less able to tolerate gastrointestinal illness. They become dehydrated much more quickly and become more seriously ill as well. If you become concerned that an illness is more serious than "stomach flu" or a "stomach bug," don't wait to call your doctor or go to the emergency room.
