Gastroenteritis should not cause severe or persistent
abdominal pain in children.
For mild pain, home treatment measures include:
- Avoid aspirin, spicy foods and caffeine.
- Avoid exposing the child to cigarette smoke.
- Avoid enemas and laxatives.
- Try a heating pad or hot water bottle on the abdomen, or a warm bath.
- Drink clear liquids only and avoid dairy products for 24 hours. Then slowly advance to a soft diet before returning to solid foods.
- For vomiting, take small but constant sips of water until vomiting stops.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Older children can try an acid-blocker medicine like:
- Try an antacid medication such as:
- Take any prescription medications as directed.
- Use acetaminophen for pain control. Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen.
