What You Should Know About Nausea, Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children

When an abnormal strain of bacteria enters the body's system, antibodies within the system will attempt to attack these foreign bodies. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are tell-tale signs of the body fighting an infection. The body's natural defense is to purge the system from all bacterial and abnormal substances that invade it.

What Causes These Symptoms?

Nausea, diarrhea and vomiting are not really diseases by themselves. All these of these are common symptoms of infections and are very commonly seen in children. The most common factor that causes these symptoms is a viral infection of the stomach or intestine. Sometimes, these can also be caused by bacteria or some other parasite.

Some of the illnesses that can trigger off any one or all three of the above symptoms include:

• Urinary tract infection
• Ear infection
• Strep throat infection
• Allergy to some kind of food usually dairy products or wheat
• Sinus or respiratory infection
• Side effects from certain type of medication
• Reyes syndrome

How to Calm these Symptoms

Vomiting, nausea and diarrhea can be calmed and soothed with the proper medication as well as by natural processes. The most important thing of all is to remember stay hydrated and prevent dehydration. When a child has diarrhea or vomiting, they tend to lose a lot of fluids and if the symptoms go on for a long time, this can lead to dehydration which can be very dangerous.

If your children have any of the above symptoms, make sure they drink lots of fluids even if they insist they are not thirsty. When considering fluids, the best and safest fluid is water. It is best to avoid any type of sugary drinks or aerated drinks as the sugar draws even more water from the body, which eventually increases the risk of getting dehydrated.

Know When It's Time To See The Doctor

While mild bouts of diarrhea, vomiting or nausea can be managed and treated at home, if it shows no signs of abating it is important to consult with a doctor as soon as possible. There are certain signs that cannot be ignored and if your child shows any of these signs, a visit to the doctor is definitely called for. These signs include:

If the vomiting follows a severe injury to the head

Stools or vomit are green in color. This is probably due to the presence of bile.

Distended abdomen with severe abdominal cramps and pain
Seizures or convulsions

Lethargy

Dehydration, even if it is mild dehydration. Do not wait till your child is severely dehydrated as this could have dangerous consequences.