What's New - Diarrhoea and Vomiting   Diarrhoea and Vomiting   Diarrhoea and Vomiting in Children Acute diarrhoea with or without vomiting in babies and children is generally short-lived (less than 14 days) and self limiting but if untreated may result in dehydration. Babies and children tend to dehydrate quicker than adults and therefore acute diarrhoea can be more serious. Causes A virus causes acute diarrhoea and vomiting (Gastroenteritis) in the majority of cases. Rotavirus is the most common cause of gastroenteritis in children in the UK and is spread by close contact within families and at nurseries/school. Viral infections can be seasonal, there is a peak during the winter months, and so it is commonly known as the winter vomiting bug. Other causes of gastroenteritis include bacterial infections such as salmonella and campylobacter. Chronic diarrhoea can be caused by an underlying medical condition such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Crohns disease or food allergies/intolerances and these need medical investigation. Symptoms The main symptom of gastroenteritis is diarrhoea with/without vomiting. Children don’t suffer from nausea till they are 10-12 years old so may vomit for a day or two before the onset of diarrhoea. Children may have abdominal cramps and bloating as well as a high temperature and possibly a headache. They may be off their food and not interested in playing. Treatment The aim of treatment is to prevent dehydration and so offer the child normal daily drinks plus extra, each time they have an episode of diarrhoea to try to replace the fluid lost. Rehydration drinks are the ideal because they provide the perfect balance of water, sugar and salts. They are available as sachets from the chemist or on prescription. If rehydration drinks are not available or your child wont drink them than try water; however, it is best to keep clear of fizzy and undiluted juice. Some children like ice-lollies or ice cubes to suck which are useful sources of extra fluids if they are reluctant to drink. Children and babies should be encouraged to eat as normally as possible. Breast fed babies should continue to breast feed if they will take it; this is in addition to extra rehydration drinks. Bottle fed babies should continue with their normal full strength feeds if they will take it, in addition to extra rehydration drinks; but little and often is tolerated better than big feeds. Older children should be encouraged to eat food regularly, try little and often. Regular drinks are more important than food if they do not feel like eating. Give Paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve a high temperature or headache. Do not give children under 12 medications to stop diarrhoea, as there is a risk of serious complications. When to seek medical help You should see a doctor or contact NHS Direct (0845 4647 or www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk) if any of the following develop or if any other symptoms occur that you are concerned about: • Recent travel abroad • Blood in the diarrhoea • Persistent vomiting or diarrhoea that does not settle • Increasingly severe abdominal pain • Drowsiness or confusion • If you suspect dehydration is developing. Symptoms of dehydration include passing little urine (monitor the number of wet nappies or visits to the loo in 24hours), dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes, weakness and a loss of elasticity in the skin. Occasionally if a child becomes very dehydrated, they may need to be admitted to hospital for fluid to be given directly into a vein by a drip. If the diarrhoea is severe or persistent, the doctor may ask for a sample of the diarrhoea to identify the cause. Prevention Correct storage, preparation and cooking of food as well as good, hand hygiene helps prevent the spread of gastroenteritis. • Always wash your hands thoroughly and teach children to wash theirs • After going to the toilet (and changing nappies) • Before touching food • After gardening • After touching or playing with animals or pets If your child has gastroenteritis, it is important to try to minimise the spread on infection. Regularly clean the toilet they use with bleach (including the handle and seat). Encourage good hand hygiene and do not share towels Do not let children prepare food. Children should not be attending school or nursery until free of diarrhoea and vomiting for 48 hours. DISCLAIMER: This article is written by an emergency nurse trainer on behalf of R.E.D.I. Training Ltd for general information and should not be used as a substitute for medical advice. R.E.D.I. Training Ltd is not responsible or liable for any diagnosis made, or actions taken by, a user based on this information. For courses at home on how to manage an accident or illness do call our team of nurses on 020 7348 7117 or email us on info@redi-training.co.uk     Return To Previous Page