Seeing your young child vomiting with diarrhea (frequent, watery bowel movements) is something that alarms every parent. Nonetheless, your little one has definitely caught a virus or bacteria. Now what? First, don’t panic. Four in every five children will have this nasty combo at least once by the age of five. So remember, you are not alone.
Follow these steps to nurse your little one back to health. Keep in mind that vomiting usually subsides within a day while diarrhea can last for a few days.
Causes of Vomiting and Diarrhea in Children
There are plenty of causes for these symptoms, from viruses and bacteria to possible parasites in undercooked meats. Viruses include rotavirus and the flu. Antibiotics can only be given if a bacterium is deemed to be the cause of the illness. Usually, blood accompanies diarrhea when the cause is from a bacteria.
As the caregiver, make sure to practice very good hygiene since this illness is highly contagious. Make sure to wash your hands frequently and/or use a hand sanitizer. Use a disinfectant spray such as Lysol for door handles, bathrooms, light switches, toys, etc. Wash any clothing or bedding once the child is better to prevent reinfection. Another big one that is usually overlooked is not forgetting to change the toothbrush.
Dehydration Prevention
Dehydration requires immediate fluid replacement by mouth or vein. For young children, fluid is replaced best by giving your child an oral rehydration solution, which has the right mixture of water, electrolytes (salt), glucose (sugar) and other nutrients. You can purchase these at most grocery stores or at your local pharmacy. Popular brands are Pedialyte, Gatorade and Rehydralyte. If these are not accessible, you can also make a homemade solution by mixing four cups of water with one teaspoon of salt. However, you should not use normal juices or sodas to rehydrate, as these do not have the proper balance of electrolytes. Severe, untreated salt imbalance can result in extreme weakness, confusion, coma, or death.
What to Eat While Vomiting with Diarrhea
Rest your child’s stomach for about two hours after vomiting by giving nothing by mouth. After the allotted time, give your child one teaspoon of liquids every 20 minutes for a few hours (preferably an oral rehydration solution as mentioned above). If the liquid is tolerated, then increase the amount of liquids to about two to four ounces at a time. If your child vomits, restart this process all over again. Keep in mind that Pedialyte should not be given for more than 24 hours. Give liquids only for the first 12 - 24 hours, then gradually reintroduce solids. Liquids can include but are not limited to broth, Popsicles, and gelatin water.
The American Association of Pediatrics states that most children should continue a normal, age appropriate diet. Bland solids can include pears, potatoes, applesauce, bananas, toast and rice. Milk is a good way to add fat back to your child's diet if it's tolerated. Contact your pediatrician for instructions on giving liquids and restoring solids.
Signs of Dehydration
It is important to be aware of the signs of dehydration so that you can execute treatment for it as soon as possible. Signs of dehydration include the following:
- sunken eyes and very dry mouth
- no urination in eight hours
- capillary refill greater than two seconds
- extreme sleepiness (lethargy)
- fainting and/or lightheadedness
- seizures
- no tears when crying
- delirium
You can test for dehydration using the following methods:
- Capillary Refill: Lift finger or toe above the heart and gently press until the skin blanches. As soon as you release, count the seconds it takes the skin to return to its normal color. Less than two seconds is considered normal.
- Skin Turgor: Grasp (gently pinch) the skin on the back of the hand, lower arm or abdomen. This should not be painful to the child. Hold the skin for a few seconds, then release. Skin with normal turgor snaps rapidly back into place. Skin with decreased turgor remains elevated and returns slowly back to its normal position.
Dehyrdration can be a medial emergency. Take your child to the ER if he or she exhibits the following symptoms:
- severe abdominal pain
- vomit is green or blood that looks like coffee grounds
- head injury accompanied vomiting
- You feel that you should! Trust your instincts.
Call your doctor if your child has the following symptoms:
- blood in stool or vomit
- vomiting has not subsided within eight hours
- igns of dehydration are present
- symptoms are not improving and/or become more severe
- You need medical advice; sometimes you just have to talk with your doctor.
Your doctor may ask the following questions:
- When did the vomiting and diarrhea first occur?
- Is there any pain in the abdomen?
- Is there blood in your child’s stool?
- How often is your child urinating?
- What color is the urine: light or dark?
What to Expect from Your Doctor
Your doctor will examine your child. Blood and urine tests may be ordered or X-rays to assist the doctor in making a diagnosis. Pediatricians usually will not give a prescription for vomiting.
References:
- McLaughlin, Eileen (July 24, 2000). "salt imbalance"
- American Associated of Pediatrics
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.
Michelle Newsom - Michelle Newsom is proud mother raising two children (and counting) with her husband and best friend. She has a passion for home schooling ...
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