General Health Information

Diarrhea, Vomiting and Gastroenteritis

Viruses generally cause gastroenteritis. Diarrhea is very loose or watery stools and is often associated with increased frequency of stool. Gastroenteritis can also be associated with cold symptoms, fever, cramps, gas, abdominal pain and rash. Since there is generally no treatment like antibiotics for gastroenteritis, the main objective is to prevent dehydration and let time take its course. We do not recommend anti-diarrheal medications.

What to do when your child has vomiting and diarrhea:

• Offer small amounts of liquid frequently after a period of no vomiting to let the stomach settle.
• Infants - pedialyte
• Children - pedialyte, watered diluted juice, Gatorade, popsicles
• When fluids are tolerated, advance to a bland diet that includes bananas, rice, toast, crackers, applesauce, etc. It is generally best to avoid complex or fatty foods and dairy products at first.
• Control fever with Tylenol or Motrin/Advil.
• Monitor urine output (frequency of voiding).

Call the office if:

• Your child has decreased urine output as follows:
• Birth to 4 months - no urine in 4-6 hours
• 6-12 months - no urine in 6-8 hours
• over 12 months - no urine in 8-10 hours
• You find blood in stool.
• Your child is lethargic or inconsolable.
• Your child has severe abdominal pain.
• Your child is vomiting bile - a bright yellow/green color.
• Your infant has persistent projectile vomiting.

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