Vomiting and Diarrhea are common problems for children. They may have a viral illness (stomach flu) or it may be 'something they ate' (too much of something, occasionally food poisoning). It may be the sign of a bacterial infection in the stomach or intestinal tract (though this is not as common as the 'flu') or it may be the sign of another bacterial infection in the body other than the stomach. Some children will have vomiting and diarrhea, or one or the other, when they have an upper respiratory infection or urinary tract infection. Regardless of the reason for these symptoms, the vomiting and diarrhea are always treated the same initially. The goal of treatment is simply to give the stomach a rest and give it a chance to heal. The child may complain of stomachache, have a fever, have a headache, or have general body aches.

For vomiting, the best treatment is to immediately stop all food or drink for 1 -2 hours, or until vomiting has stopped is longer is necessary. Once the vomiting has stopped, you can begin giving the child some clear liquids. Very small amounts should be given, frequently. Clear liquids include 7 up, coke, gingerale, or a gatorade-like drink may be used for all children. Smaller infants can be given one of the commercially prepared clear liquids such as Pedialyte and Ricelyte, the liquid from fresh cooked vegetables, or the heavy syrup of canned fruit, especially peaches.


Fruit juices, even diluted, may increase diarrhea or induce vomiting, so they should be avoided. The small amounts should, at first, be a couple of teaspoons to a tablespoon at a time, at 15-20 minute intervals. REMEMBER: It is better for your child to take small amounts in and keep it in, rather than large amounts which they continue to throw up. If your child can not keep down liquids but is thirsty, let them suck on an ice cube or a popsickle. This will relieve the thirst, but will only put very small amounts into their stomach.

As your child does well with the small amounts of clear liquids, you can gradually increase the amounts you are giving at a time, until finally, your child can drink as much as they want without vomiting. If the child gets hungry, once the vomiting has stopped for 2 hours, use very bland foods. They should not be given anything fried, greasy, or highly seasoned food. They should not be given milk or milk products. Examples of bland foods include dry toast and crackers, rice cereal, applesauce or bananas, rice, singular vegetables (like just carrots or just peas), pureed bean soup. The clear liquids are best given for 24 hours, then bland foods should be offered for another 24 hours. A regular diet, including formula, may then be given if all symptoms have cleared.

If your child has diarrhea, the treatment is the same. However, if vomiting is not present, it is not necessary to have the child keep their stomach empty for the initial 1-2 hours.

CALL YOUR HEALTH CARE PROVIDER FOR:

· Persistent symptoms for 2 or more days   · Persistent fever   · Stomach ache not confined to the center of the stomach or persistent stomach ache   · Less than 2-3 wet diapers or urinates less then 2-3 times in a 24 hour period   · Dry-mouth, no tearing or diminished tearing   · Anytime you want to talk to a health care provider.