Most patients who develop diarrhea and/or vomiting develop it as a consequence of mild gastroenteritis caused by a virus. There is no cure for these types of vomiting and diarrhea. Consult our office if you child is under two months of age. For patients over two months, vomiting and diarrhea can usually be effectively treated at home. However, call our office if any of the following signs appear:

♦ Blood or mucous in the stool     ♦ High Fever     ♦ No urination in 12 hours  

♦ Excessive sleepiness    ♦ Dry mouth     ♦ Crying without tears

Vomiting and diarrhea are ways the body purges itself of harmful organisms. It is dehydration that is concerning rather than the diarrhea or vomiting itself.

In order to prevent dehydration we recommend the following:

  Diarrhea:

Under one year of age:

If breast-fed, continue to breast-feed as usual but offer an electrolyte rehydration after each diarrhea stool.

If formula-fed, switch to a soy-based formula and continue regular schedule. In addition offer an electrolyte rehydration solution.

If your baby is also taking solid foods, offer starchy foods such as baby rice cereal, mashed bananas, carrots or vegetable juices.

Over one year of age:

Once your child is verbal it is less likely she will get dehydrated because she call tell you when she is thirsty. If she has diarrhea only, there is no need to restrict fluid amounts.

Offer fluids low in fruit sugar such as half strength orange juice (diluted 1:1 with water) or carrot juice. Water is good but offer with saltine crackers or pretzels.

Continue to give solid food with an emphasis on starchy foods such as cereal (especially rice cereal) bread, pasta, cooked carrots, baked potato, or bananas.

Dairy products that are partially digested like yogurt and cheese are okay but avoid whole milk.

 

Vomiting

Give no fluids for thirty minutes to one hour.

Under one year of age:

Offer one tablespoon (1/2 fl oz.) of an electrolyte rehydration solution every 15-20 minutes. Double the amount given each hour.

Over one year of age:

Follow the regime but may use other clear liquids. Water or ice chips are best but avoid fruit juices. ½ strength lemon-lime soda or popsicles are acceptable. Flatten the soda until no fizz remains. Older children may have tea, jello, and bouillon.

If your child vomits again, restrict fluids for thirty minutes to one hour and then resume the above procedure. Call the office if this advice does not seem to be working.

Continue clear fluids for this 8 hours. If no further vomiting, resume bland diet for a day or so before returning to regular diet.

When vomiting and diarrhea occur together, vomiting protocols always take priority. Dehydration is more likely when both of these symptoms occur. Observe carefully.

Remember…

It is no longer necessary to "rest the gut"

Diarrhea does not go away immediately but gradually over a period of days.

When offering fluids, refrain from using red or orange liquids since they could make the stool look bloody.

Medications for vomiting and/or diarrhea have been shown to be of marginal help and at times may cause adverse reactions, especially in young children. For this reason we are cautious in the use of medications and stress the conservative approach as described above. Extra water and diet therapy work best.

Acetaminophen is the preferred fever reducer when dehydration may be present. It is available in suppository form (in addition to the liquid form) which may be better if your child is vomiting.