Vomitting & Diarrhea

Summary:

Vomiting or diarrhea can occur when the lining of the intestines or stomach is irritated by an infection. Usually the infection is caused by a virus. Diarrhea and vomiting can drain water and salts from your child. These need to be replaced to prevent your child from becoming dehydrated (dry).

Contact a Health Care Professional Immediately:

	The vomiting and diarrhea do not improve,
	Your child is unable to take fluids, or is weak, sleepy or lethargic,
	You think your child looks dry (eyes look sunken, soft spot on top of infants head is depressed, no tears when crying, mouth looks dry),
	Your child has not urinated in 8 hours,
	There is blood in the vomit or stool, or brown flecks like coffee grounds in the vomit,
	Your child has abdominal pain,
	Your child has fever higher than 102° F.,
	You think your child looks sick or is getting worse,
	Your have any questions or concerns.

Source of Infection/Mode of Transmission:

Symptoms:

Diagnosis:

Treatment:

Home Treatments:

	Feed your child an oral electrolyte solution such as Ricelyte, Pedialyte, Resol, or Gatoraid. You can get these solutions at grocery and drug stores.
	If your 2 years old, give 1/4 to 1/2 cup every hour. You can use a spoon.
	If over 2 years old, give 1/2 to 1 cup every hour.
	Do not give plain water.
	If under one year old, continue feedings with your infants regular formula.
	For children over one year old, continue a bland diet such as dry toast, applesauce, rice cereal, rice or bananas.
	Do not keep your child on the electrolyte solution longer than 24 hours without contacting a doctor.

Geographic/Seasonal Distribution:

Protections:

Notes:

Remember, you are the best judge of your child’s condition. If you have any doubt in your mind that your child is ill, seek the advise of an experienced health care practitioner.

Links:

[Health Home] [ Asthma ] [ Chicken Pox ] [ Encephalitis ] [ Fifth Disease ] [ Poison Oak/Poison Ivy ] [ Vomitting & Diarrhea ]

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