What causes vomiting and diarrhea?
Vomiting (throwing up) and diarrhea (frequent, watery bowel movements) can be caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, foods that are difficult to digest (such as too sweet) foods such as meat or fish that are not well cooked or are still partially raw.

Can vomiting and diarrhea be dangerous for children?
Yes Vomiting and diarrhea can be harmful because they can cause dehydration. Dehydration occurs when the body loses too much fluid. Signs of dehydration are listed in the table below.
Very young babies can become dehydrated quickly, but dehydration is something that can occur at any age.

Signs of dehydration

  • No urine or urine darker than normal
  • Not urinating as often as usual
  • Thirst (babies may show thirst by crying, being irritable and eager to drink when something is offered)
  • Irritability
  • Not eating as well as usual
  • Weight Loss
  • Dry mouth
  • No tears to mourn
  • The soft head (fontanelles) in infants under 18 months is buried.
    Skin that is not as springy as usual



How can I prevent dehydration?
If your infant or child has had several bouts of vomiting or diarrhea, he or she will have to replace fluids and electrolytes lost.
If you are breastfeeding, continue to give breast milk to the baby. Breast milk has all the fluids and electrolytes needed to prevent dehydration. Chances are, your doctor may want you also given an oral rehydration solution, ORS.


If you feed your baby with formula, try changing the milk formula that does not contain lactose as the child is sick. The lactose can make diarrhea worse. The doctor may also suggest that you replace the formula by an SRO for 12 to 14 and then will come back formula.
In children, toddlers and 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 can also make wines, sodas (carbonated) or clear juice mixed with water in order to prevent dehydration. You should avoid giving your child regular water and cola. Water by itself does not contain enough salt and nutrients to help with dehydration. The cola in general have a high sugar content and this can irritate your stomach to your child.

What is ORS?
An oral rehydration solution, ORS (ORS in English) is a great way to replace fluids and nutrients that are lost through vomiting and diarrhea. An ORS is safe for babies and older children. An ORS can have multiple presentations, including a powder that you mix with water, a liquid and mixed and even pallets.
You can buy in most supermarkets and drugstores. If you do not have access to an ORS that you buy in a store you can mix 8 teaspoons of sugar and 1 teaspoon of salt in one quart (4 cups) water. This mix has not potassium, but otherwise it is considered good ORS. You can supply some potassium by adding a cup of orange juice to your homemade ORS giving the child some banana.
If your child is vomiting, try giving him or her small amounts of ORS often, such as 1 teaspoonful every minute. Slowly increase the amount that was given when your child is able to maintain the fluid in the stomach.
If your child keeps vomiting, wait 30 to 60 minutes after the last time he or she vomited, and then give a few sips of ORS. Small amounts every few minutes can be maintained better than a large amount at once.
When your child stops vomiting, you can increase the amount of ORS that gives the time and add also clear broth or clear soda. Remember, small amounts are less likely to disturb your child’s stomach.
If your child has diarrhea and is not vomiting, give one ORS and other fluids. Your doctor may ask you to keep track of how much your child. You can use a dropper, spoon or a measuring cup to help keep track.

Should I feed my child when he or she has diarrhea?
Yes, you should feed your baby when he has diarrhea. Older children should begin eating between 12 and 24 hours after they have started to take ORS. Avoid foods high in sugar and fat such as ice cream, gelatin, pudding and fried foods. These can irritate the stomach and gastrointestinal tract of your child. It is best to avoid all dairy products for 3 to 7 days.
Sometimes bland foods are also recommended for the first 24 hours. Bland foods include bananas, rice, applesauce, toast and unsweetened cereals. If your child responds well to these foods you can begin to give further over the next 48 hours.
Most children can return to normal eating habits about three (3) days after the diarrhea for. If your child has been vomiting, wait 6 hours after the last time he vomited before feeding. Try to give small amounts of bland foods such as toast, crackers or rice. Do not force your child to eat. The child is not hungry for a few days after vomiting.

Should I give my child medicine to stop diarrhea?
Generally this is not recommended. The diarrhea usually does not last long. If it’s caused by an infection, diarrhea is a way for the body to get rid of the infection. Giving medicines that stop diarrhea may actually interfere with the body’s efforts to heal. Are usually not necessary to use antibiotics. Talk to your family doctor if you think your child needs medicine.

Does my child have to go to hospital?
Probably not, unless dehydration is severe. In this case, your child may need to be given fluids intravenously (through a vein) to replace fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea.

Call your doctor if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea and:
Is less than six (6) months
It is more than six (6) months and has a fever over 101.4 ° F (38.56 ° C).
Has signs of dehydration
Has been vomiting longer than eight (8) hours or is vomiting with great force.
Blood in your stool (poop)
You have blood in your vomit
No urine for 8 hours
Could have swallowed something that could be a poisonous
Has a stiff neck
Is listless or unusually sleepy
He had abdominal pain for more than two (2) hours

Can I help prevent vomiting and diarrhea in my children?
Vomiting and diarrhea can be caused by foods that are hard for your child to digest, for example, sugar or bacteria present in meat is not cooked. Make sure your child gets a healthy diet.
Most infections that cause diarrhea are caused by a virus present in the stools (feces or poop). Help prevent infection by disposing of soiled diapers properly and wash their hands after changing a diaper or using the bathroom. Make sure your child washes their hands frequently, especially after using the toilet.

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