Vomiting and diarrheal illnesses are very common in children but are usually managed at home with no medications needed.

Vomiting and diarrheal illnesses are very common in children but are usually managed at home with no medications needed. These illnesses infect the intestines.

Symptoms May Include:

  • Watery non-bloody diarrhea
  • Abdominal cramps and pain
  • Nausea, vomiting, or both
  • Occasional muscle aches or headache
  • Fever

To keep your child more comfortable and to prevent dehydration:

  • Let the stomach settle and wait 1 hour after vomiting before trying liquids
  • Older children may suck on ice chips or take small sips of clear liquids
  • Pedialyte is the drink of choice in small children
  • Pedialyte popsicles for small children and popsicles for older children also deliver fluids slowly
  • Ease back into eating solids
  • Do not use Ibuprofen, and use Tylenol sparingly
  • Avoid Aspirin
  • If no vomiting, you may offer a regular diet (including milk products)

Call the doctors office if any of the following are present:

  • Temperature higher than 104 degrees
  • Is unusually sleepy, difficult to arouse, or irritable
  • Has bloody diarrhea
  • Bloody or bile-colored vomiting
  • Has a dry mouth or cries without tears
  • No urine output for 12 hours
  • Is in a lot of discomfort or pain
  • Any other worrisome symptoms

REMEMBER: THE BEST DEFENSE AGAINST THE SPREAD OF INTESTINAL INFECTION IS FREQUENT AND THOROUGH WASHING OF HANDS.

vomiting and diarrhea pdf

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