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My child has diarrhoea and vomiting
Diarrhoea and vomiting is very common in children and is usually caused by a stomach bug, also known as gastroenteritis. Most children get better after a few days however the diarrhoea can last up to 3 weeks.
During your child’s illness it is very important that they have plenty of fluids and enough sugar to prevent them from getting dehydration or a low blood sugar, which are the main reasons for children to need hospital treatment for gastroenteritis.
What should I do at home?
- Continue to offer your child their usual feeds, including breast or other milk feeds.
- Encourage your child to drink extra fluid and offer small amounts often.
- Avoid giving your child just water as this does not contain any sugar. You can give them diluted clear apple juice (mixed 50/50 with water) or an oral rehydration solution, for example, Dioralyte™, if advised by a health professional.
- Avoid giving them fizzy drinks as this can worsen their symptoms.
- You can give your child their usual diet but they may not feel like eating until their symptoms settle. Provided your child is having milk feeds or drinking plenty, they won’t come to any harm from this.
- If your child has stomach cramps, you can give them liquid paracetamol or ibuprofen. Always follow the manufacturers’ instructions for the correct dose.
- Ensure you wash your hands after nappy changes and your child washes their hands after going to the toilet and before touching food, as stomach bugs are often highly contagious and can spread through families and nursery or school.
If your child is:
- Drinking plenty
- Passing urine regularly
- Alert and responsive
You can continue to care for them at home using the advice provided.
If your child does not get better after one week contact your GP.
What should I look out for at home?
If you notice that your child:
- Is not passing much urine or is having fewer wet nappies than normal.
- Has dark coloured or strong-smelling urine.
- Is refusing to drink or is unable to keep any fluids down.
- Has blood in their poo (stools).
- Has severe or constant tummy pain.
- Is getting worse or you are worried.
Your child should see a nurse or doctor today. Please ring your child’s GP surgery or call NHS 111.
When should I bring my child back to hospital?
If your child:
- Has signs of severe dehydration such as being unusually sleepy or difficult to wake up, having sunken eyes, or becoming pale or floppy.
- Has green (not yellow) vomit.
- Has blood in their poo (stools) and you can’t get hold of your child’s GP.
- Has signs of a more serious infection or illness such as:
- breathing faster or harder than usual, or pauses in breathing
- pale, blue, or mottled skin or feels unusually cold to touch
- weak, high-pitched cry or can’t be settled
- has a fit (seizure)
- has a rash that does not disappear with pressure (the ‘Glass Test’)
- Is under 3 months old with temperature more than 38°C or under 36°C.
Phone 999 for an ambulance or go straight to the nearest Emergency Department.
Useful numbers
Practice Plus (Brighton walk-in centre / GP service)
Phone
0333 321 0946
Every day including bank holidays
8:00 am to 8:00 pm
For out of hours GP service or advice ring NHS 111
Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital
Children’s Emergency Department
01273 696955
Ext. 62593
Please be aware that CED staff will not be able to give you medical advice for your child over the phone but can direct you to an appropriate service to assist with your enquiry.
This information is intended for patients receiving care in Brighton and Hove or Haywards Heath.
The information in this leaflet is for guidance purposes only and is in no way intended to replace professional clinical advice by a qualified practitioner.