Vomiting and Diarrhea

We are currently seeing viral illnesses that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Usually called viral gastroenteritis, the virus causes inflammation and irritation of the stomach and the intestines, leading to vomiting and diarrhea. This illness, often called the "stomach flu" typically lasts 1-2 days, with diarrhea lasting a few days longer.

It is important to make sure that your child does not get dehydrated with this condition. Offer breast milk on demand if your child is breastfed, or Pedialyte, or Gatorate, in small amounts every 20 minutes until your child can keep liquids down, after 1 hour increase the amount and frequency. If they are unable to keep liquids down, back off for 1-2 hours, then try the small amounts again. For fever or abdominal pain associated with gastroenteritis offer your child Acetaminophen, avoid Ibuprofen or related medications to prevent gastric irritation. If your child has few wet diapers and does not make tears, or appears limp or lethargic, crying without tears, he or she may be dehydrated and we will need to see them in our office. Other worrisome sings are blood in stools and high fever (104 F or 40 C) along with the gastroenteritis.