Gastroenteritis & Children's Digestive Health

"The stomach bug." It's rarely serious, but it's still dreaded. Vomiting, diarrhea, feeling weak – we don't like to see our little ones feeling unwell, and we certainly don't enjoy it ourselves. While there's no magic solution to avoid catching the virus that causes gastroenteritis, having a healthy microbiota could potentially reduce the intensity and/or duration of diarrhea symptoms. 

What is the microbiota ?

The gut microbiota consists of the collection of bacteria and other microorganisms that inhabit our intestines. There are over 100 trillion of them in there! The balance of the microbiota relies on the quantity and variety of microorganisms present. They need to be numerous and diverse in order to fulfill several important roles for our health. They contribute to the proper functioning of the immune and nervous systems and to the growth of our children.

The significance of its role in the immune system becomes evident when you consider that at least 80% of immune cells are located in the intestines. The beneficial bacteria in the gut microbiota form the first protective barrier. They act as little soldiers, preventing harmful bacteria from colonizing the intestines and multiplying, thus preventing foreign substances from entering the bloodstream.

How is the gut microbiota formed ?

The gut microbiota begins to develop from birth through the various interactions a baby has with its environment. It takes about 3 years to fully establish, diversify, and stabilize. The first three years of life are crucial in this regard. While improvement is possible throughout life, this "foundation" is paramount.

Gastroenteritis is an extremely contagious inflammation of the intestinal and stomach lining. In children, it's generally caused by a bacterium called Rotavirus. Diarrhea leads to a depletion of the bacterial barrier and consequently results in dysbiosis.

Children can contract gastroenteritis by coming into contact with another person who has it, or simply by touching a contaminated object and then putting their fingers in their mouth. It's highly contagious. Hygiene measures like handwashing and cleaning potentially contaminated surfaces with a disinfectant reduce the risk of contracting or spreading gastroenteritis. Of course, it's also advisable to keep the sick child at home. As parents, we avoid sharing the same glass or eating utensils with our little ones, as protecting ourselves can help us better care for our sick kids.

Gastroenteritis can manifest in several ways: vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weakness, and in some cases, aches and fever. Fever, vomiting, and diarrhea tend to lead to dehydration, which can also have serious consequences. Gastroenteritis typically lasts from 1 to 3 days. If symptoms persist, a doctor should be consulted.

When a child has gastroenteritis, the priority is to prevent dehydration. So, it's crucial to ensure the sick child stays well hydrated. Additionally, if we could reduce the duration and intensity of symptoms, we would. In this context, the best thing we can do is give the intestinal microbiota a helping hand in defending us.

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