Diarrhoea and vomiting

What is it?

Gastroenteritis is an upset tummy that can cause diarrhoea and/or vomiting. It is caused by viruses, is often mild and can usually be managed at home.

• Your child may first have tummy ache and fever
• Most children with diarrhoea and vomiting get better very quickly, but some children can get worse.
• Diarrhoea usually lasts five to seven days but may continue for up to two weeks.
• Vomiting usually does not last for more than three to four days.

Caring for your child at home

Reducing fever and pain relief for tummy aches

• Liquid paracetamol and ibuprofen can be given according the instructions on the bottle (Ibuprofen is not recommended if your child has asthma unless you have discussed with the doctor)

Keep a record

• It is useful to keep a record of the number of drinks and the number of wees/ wet nappies that your child/baby has had each day.

Preventing Dehydration

It is very important to follow the advice below to prevent dehydration in your baby/child.

One of the main risks of gastroenteritis in children, especially babies, is that they may become dehydrated:

• It is important to replace fluid your child will be losing due to vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
• It is OK if they do not want to eat. Drinks are most important, and most will start eating when they feel better.
• Continue to breast/bottle feed your baby.
• For a child under one, give small sips every few minutes (using a teaspoon or a plastic syringe and aim fluids into side of mouth to ease swallowing).
• For all children, give drinks little and often e.g. every 10 mins (or as advised by a doctor). If they are thirsty and take too much at a time, it may cause them to vomit.
• For older children, try using ice lollies or encourage drinking through a straw.
• Unwell children will often refuse fluids, but can be persuaded if you persevere.
• Oral rehydration solutions such as Diaorlyte or Electrolade should not be used in infants under three months without agreement from the doctor.

Type of fluids

• Good fluids: Oral rehydration sachets, water, squash (not sugar free), milk.
• Bad Fluids: Juice, fizzy drinks which make diarrhoea worse.

  Signs of Dehydration

• Dry mouth
• Dry tongue and lips
• Less tears when crying
• Sunken eyes
• Passing less urine than normal
• Weakness
• Being irritable or lethargic

Worried about your child?

Use traffic light advice

GREEN: If your child has none of the symptoms in the amber or red categories, continue to look after them at home

AMBER: If your child has ANY of these

• Appears to be getting worse or if you are worried
• OR is getting more thirsty despite drinking
• OR is not drinking
• OR has signs of dehydration (see above)
• OR blood in their poo
• OR 6+ bouts of diarrhoea in 24 hours
• OR  3+ vomits in 24 hours
• OR has a high temperature
• OR is in constant pain

YOU NEED TO SEEK MEDICAL ADVICE: Please call NHS helpline 111.

RED: If your child has signs of dehydration AND becomes unresponsive

• OR is breathing faster than usual
• OR has unusually pale or mottled skin
• OR has colder hands and feet than normal

YOU NEED EMERGENCY HELP CALL 999: You need to be seen at an emergency department (A&E).