Diarrhea and Vomiting

Diarrhea and vomiting are very common symptoms in infants, children, and adolescents. There are many causes, the most common being viral infections of the stomach and intestines. Vomiting and diarrhea will usually last for three to five days, with the child having from two to 10 bowel movements and vomiting episodes in a single day.

Most diarrhea and vomiting can be treated at home. To prevent dehydration, water and salt must be replenished. For rehydration, use only commercially available electrolyte solutions. Don’t use sports drinks since their sugar content can make diarrhea worse. As your child begins to feel better, resume a normal diet. There is no need to limit food or drinks once your child is feeling better.

Call the pediatrician right away and prepare to bring your child to the office if he has one or more of the following symptoms:

• can’t swallow, drink or keep anything down over a period of a few hours.
• vomits frequently over several hours.
• has severe abdominal pain.
• has high fever that won’t go down with medication.
• hasn’t urinated in more than eight hours.
• appears unresponsive, listless.
• has dry mouth and lips.
• can’t produce tears.