Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children

Vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (frequent bowel movements and semi-liquid) can be caused by viruses, bacteria or parasites. Foods that are difficult to digest, such as eating too many sweets, and meat or fish that are not well cooked (they are partially raw) can also cause vomiting and diarrhea.

Vomiting and diarrhea can be harmful because they can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs when you lose too much fluid. Young children can dehydrate very quickly, but dehydration can occur at any age.

If your baby or child has had several bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, he or she will need to replace fluids and electrolytes lost.

If you are breastfeeding, continue giving breast milk to the baby. Breast milk is liquid and electrolytes needed to prevent dehydration. Chances are your doctor will also want you to give your baby an Oral Rehydration Solution.

If you feed your baby formula, try changing the formula milk that is lactose while the child is sick. The lactose can make diarrhea worse. The doctor may also suggest switching from formula to ORS for 12 to 14 hours and then switching back to formula.

In children who are toddlers and young children, use an ORS containing a mixture of salt, sugar, potassium and other nutrients to help replace lost body fluids. Children older than one year may also have wines, sodas (soft) light or juice mixed with water in order to prevent dehydration. You should avoid giving your child plain water and cola. The water itself does not contain enough salt and nutrients to help with dehydration. The dark sodas usually have a high sugar content and can irritate the stomach to your child.