Diarrhea and vomiting both come from irritation or infection of the intestinal tract. Diarrhea and vomiting may have the same cause. The goal of treatment of either one is to maintain hydration, keep the child as happy as possible, and promote healing.
DIARRHEA
Babies and children get diarrhea from one of several causes. Most cases are not severe and, regardless of the cause, can be treated the same way.
If the child is normally active and is drinking well it is okay to simply continue the regular diet and wait. Most cases of diarrhea will resolve in a few days to a week or so. If the child is more upset in her or his activity level or the drinking has decreased or the child is vomiting, try giving only clear liquids as outlined under VOMITING below.
If a child is very lethargic or loosing weight over a period of hours or a day the child needs to be seen. Probably after diagnostic tests, the treatment will involve giving small amounts of clear liquids frequently. Occasionally children need to be treated in the hospital.
Most cases of diarrhea can be handled at home without visiting the doctor.
VOMITING
Vomiting is quite common as part of a virus syndrome or stomach flu. If a child is slightly lethargic or normally active with vomiting, it is probably okay to only restrict intake for a few hours to see if the vomiting will pass. If the child continues to seem reasonably well but the vomiting continues more than twelve hours, giving clear liquids is best.
Clear liquids should not be very sweet. Breast milk and any liquid you can see through will qualify. Weak tea, dilute Koolaide, broth, water, and dilute, flat soft drinks are examples of clear liquids. Special formulas such as Pediolyte, Gatoraide can be used but are expensive and not necessary. You can make your own special rehydration formula by putting 1/4 tsp. table salt, 1/4 tsp. baking soda, and 2 tsp sugar in a quart of water. The liquids need to be given in small amounts - an ounce or two - every half hour or so until the child goes several hours without vomiting. Then more fluids can be given at a time. If four to eight ounces are tolerated at a time for several hours it is okay to begin crackers, toast, fruit juice, rice, tapiocca, etc. and gradually over a day or two go back to a normal diet. The best was to evaluate dehydration and rehydration is by checking the child's weight on an accurate scale.
If a child is very lethargic, has sunken eyes or acute pain, or has difficulty moving around it is best to have the child seen by a doctor.
Ted Humphry, M.D. (707) 822-2441
this information last updated 02/05