Diarrhea and Vomiting in Children

Diarrhea and vomiting in children is often due to gastroenteritis (commonly known as stomach flu), a very contagious viral infection of the gastrointestinal tract). Other causes may include food poisoning and reactions to food or drink (e.g. Lactose intolerance). Some children may also develop gastrointestinal symptoms, such as abdominal pains, loose stools and bloatedness due to emotional stress, as in irritable bowel syndrome.

Younger children often have what is sometimes known as "toddler's diarrhea" - watery stools in which bits of food can be seen. This is due to food not being digested properly, and this usually clears up as the child gets older.

Vomiting, without diarrhea, is also a common symptom of some other underlying problem which may be unrelated to the gastrointestinal tract. Examples would include middle ear infections (otitis media) and urinary tract infections.

What you can do:

• The main risk of persistent vomiting and diarrhea, is dehydration. Ensuring adequate fluid intake and careful monitoring of your child's hydration status is essential.

• Make sure that your child has plenty to drink. If vomiting is a problem, give frequent sips of fluids. Oral rehydration salts or sweetened fluids are better absorbed by the gut compared to plain water.

• Stick to soft foods such as porridge and soups. Gradually return to normal diet if your child's symptoms normalize.

• If fever is present, paracetamol may be given according to the prescribed dosages.

• Medication to ease abdominal pain and diarrhea may be used on advise by your doctor or pediatrician. Be careful with use of anti-vomiting and anti-diarrhea medication in children less than 2 years of age.

You should see your doctor if:

• Your child refuses to drink or shows signs of dehydration (sunken eyes, dry mouth and tongue, has not passed urine for more than 6 hours, or appears abnormally drowsy).

• There is blood in your child's vomitus or stools

• Your child's symptoms do not seem to improve after 24 hours

• Your child complains of severe pain or appears very ill

Prevention of spread:

Gastroenteritis is notoriously contagious. Be scrupulous about hygiene to prevent it from being spread within the family and the wider community. Children commonly catch the infection from school, when interacting with other children with gastroenteritis.

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling your child who is ill.
• Wash your hands before and after handling food and using the toilet.
• Use separate towels for your child to prevent cross infection.
• Avoid sharing food and utensils.
• Ensure that your child washes his or her hands regularly, especially before and after meals.
• Remind your child to avoid touching his or her eyes, nose and mouth.