Vomiting & Diarrhea

Definitions and Causes

Vomiting is the forceful ejection of the stomach contents through the mouth. Diarrhea is the sudden increase in the frequency and looseness of stools. They usually are caused by viral infections. Bacteria, excessive intake of fruit juices, or a food allergy can also cause them. When vomiting and diarrhea occur together, vomiting is treated first until it is resolved, and then the diarrhea is treated.

Home Care for Vomiting

It is best to give small amounts of clear fluids frequently. Breast-fed babies should be nursed more frequently than usual (every hour or so). It is very important that your child drink plenty of fluids, which should be given frequently in small amounts. Clear fluids include electrolyte solutions such as Pedialyte, Kao-lectrolyte, Lytren, Infalyte and Gerber Pediatric Electrolyte Solution. You can give Gatorade diluted with an equal part of electrolyte solution. Pedialyte pops also can be given. Do not give plain water, fruit juices, formula or cow’s milk for 8 hours.

Under One Year

Give 1 teaspoon of clear fluids every 10 minutes for 1 hour. Then increase the amount given gradually every hour for 6 hours as tolerated.

One Year and Older

Give 1 tablespoon (1/2 ounce) every 10 minutes for 1 hour. Then increase the amount given gradually every hour for 6 hours as tolerated.

Home Care for Diarrhea

Babies who are breast-feeding should continue to nurse and be supplemented with the “BRAT” diet (see below) if old enough to have solids. If the child is having severe diarrhea (over eight large watery stools per day), begin clear liquids (see above) along with the “BRAT” diet for several hours.

After 6 hours without vomiting (or right away if your child has not been vomiting) begin the “BRAT” diet:
B – Bananas
R – Rice or rice cereal
A – Applesauce
T – Toast (also saltine crackers, pretzels, and/or custard style yogurt)

If no vomiting occurs with the “BRAT” diet for several hours, and even if the diarrhea persists, the foods that can be added include: baked or mashed potatoes, plain pasta, noodles, chicken, turkey, low sodium chicken soup, and cooked yellow or orange colored vegetables (carrots, squash, and sweet potatoes).

When to call the doctor

Call our office if your child:

• Does not urinate or have a wet diaper for more than 8 hours.
• Does not make tears when crying.
• Has a very dry mouth.
• Has green or bloody vomit.
• Has persistent vomiting for more than 12 hours (if your child is less than 12 months old).
• Has persistent vomiting for more than 24 hours (if your child is 12 months or older).
• Becomes difficult to awaken or is confused.
• Has blood in the stool.
• Becomes dizzy when standing.
• Has frequent watery diarrhea with vomiting more than 3 times per day.
• Has symptoms that continue to become worse.
• Cannot keep down even small amount of Pedialyte.