Diarrhea and vomiting in children

By Dr Sajimon George BAMS, AAA, ATMS

Vomiting and diarrhea in children are very common symptoms and can happen at any time of year. Diarrhea is called Atisar in Ayurveda Although Vomiting and diarrhea often happen together, kids can have either one or the other alone as well. The most common cause of vomiting and diarrhea in children are infections caused by viruses. The most common infection is viral gastroenteritis.

Diarrhea in children is the body’s way of eliminating itself of germs, and mostly last a few days to a week. Diarrhea in children often occurs with fever, nausea, vomiting, cramps, and dehydration. Some of the most common symptoms of getting diarrhea and vomiting in children include: More bowel movements than usual, stools less formed and more watery. Sometimes children with diarrhea may even have fever, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, cramps, and blood in the stools.

While treating Diarrhea and vomiting in kids it’s important to prevent fluid loss and dehydration. Offer additional breast milk or oral rehydration to infants and young children as Water alone doesn’t help in rehydrating very young children.

Older children with diarrhea can drink anything they prefer to stay hydrated. Keep giving them their normal diet even while they’re vomiting or having diarrhea as children who are fed normally have a speedy recovery than those who are only on liquids while they are sick. If your child’s vomiting and/or diarrhea isn’t stopping, give small amounts of fluids every 5 to 10 minutes as a good way to get fluids into a child who needs to rehydrate slowly.

 

 

Measures to follow if your child has vomiting and diarrhea

• For babies and toddlers who wear nappies, a soothing rash cream may help to prevent soreness and nappy rash.
• Ensure your child’s bottom is cleaned thoroughly and gently, after each episode of diarrhoea to avoid any irritation in the skin.
• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water and Dry your hands thoroughly to prevent the infection from spreading.
• Do not share towels as this can spread the infection
• Clean surfaces with detergent and water to effectively remove germs
• Do not let the infected child share personal items such as towels, toothbrushes or face cloths.
• If your child has diarrhoea, let the other people use a separate toilet
• Clean your child’s toilet with disinfectant after use.
• Do not take your child swimming for two weeks after their diarrhoea or vomiting is cured
• Do not let your child go to school or day care for 24 hours after their cure
• Immediately remove and wash clothing, bedding or surfaces contaminated with diarrhoea or vomit.

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