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Vomiting
(throwing up) and diarrhea (frequent, watery bowel movements) are
common problems in small children. Diarrhea can be dangerous if
not treated properly. It drains water and salts from your child.
If these are not replaced quickly, then your child can become dehydrated
and may need to be hospitalized.
The
following suggestions for home treatment are to protect your child
by preventing dehydration.
Give
your child an oral rehydration solution (ORS) such as Gastrolyte™,
Pedialyte™, or Lytren™. These preparations contain the
proper balance of water, salts (electrolytes) and sugar. These are
available at any drug store.
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if
breast feeding
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if
NOT breast feeding
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for
diarrhea
continue to breast feed on demand and offer one of the
oral rehydrtion solutions such as Gastrolyte™, Pedialyte™
or Lytren™, 30-90 ml (1-3 oz) every hour.
if
your child is vomiting
give nothing by mouth for 30 minutes then feed smaller
amounts more frequently, then start breast milk on demand
or give one of the oral rehydration solutions such as Gastrolyte™,
Pedialyte™ or Lytren™, 15 ml (1 tablespoon) every
10-15 minutes to give 30-90 ml (1-3 oz) every hour.
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for
diarrhea
continue your infant's usual diet and give one of the
oral rehydration solution such as Gastrolyte™, Pedialyte™
or Lytren™ 30-90 ml (1-3 oz) every hour.
if
your child is vomiting
give nothing by mouth for 30 minutes then feed smaller
amounts more frequently, then start breast milk on demand
or give one of the oral rehydration solutions such as Gastrolyte™,
Pedialyte™ or Lytren™ 15 ml (1 tablespoon) every
10-15 minutes, to give 30-90 ml (1-3 oz) every hour.
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| If
your child refuses ORS by the cup or bottle, give this solution
using a medicine dropper or small spoon. If your child vomits
again, try again in 30 minutes. |
Recovery
(6-24 hours):
Keep
giving the oral rehydration until the diarrhea is less often. When
vomiting stops, start the child's usual diet (formula or whole milk
or food) in frequent feedinbs. Stools may increase at first.
It
may take 7 to 10 days or longer for stools to become completely
formed. This is part of the healing of the bowel.
Do
not give over-the-counter medications to stop diarrhea. These will
stop the body from getting rid of the infection.
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Yes
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No
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| Oral rehydration
solutions that have the right balance of water, salts and sugar.
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Soda, Kool-Aid,
Gatorade, fruit juice, Jello, sweetened tea, broth or rice water. |
| They are
available at drugstores. Be sure to mix Gastrolyte™ according
to the directions. |
These all
have the wrong amounts of water, sugar and salts and may
make the diarrhea worse! |
When
to Get Help:
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if
your child has diarrhea for 48 hours, and is less than 3 months
of age
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if
your child is still vomiting after 4-6 hours
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if
there is a fever - temperature greater than 38.5 degrees C or
101.5 degrees F for longer than 2 days
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if
the diarrhea becomes much more frequent
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if
there is blood in the diarrhea or the stools are black
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if
the child appears sicker or dehydrated (lethargic, no tears
when crying, small amount of urine (less than 4 wet diapers
in 24 hours), inside of mouth is dry or sticky, eyes are sunken,
sunken soft spot (fontanelle) on the infant's head, or grayish
skin)
| If
the diarrhea or cramping lasts more than 5-7 days, then your
doctor may suggest lactose-free milk until the diarrhea improves. |
Careful
handwashing after toileting or changing diapers will help
prevent the spread of infection to others.
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