Diarrhea and Vomiting
It may just be because they know they are going to have to clean it up, but for dads, diarrhea and vomiting are among the more distressing symptoms of illness in a child. However, both of these symptoms are generally easy to treat. When caused by a virus, as they typically are, the basic treatments are aimed at preventing your child from becoming dehydrated. If the only symptom is diarrhea and your child is eating and drinking well, you often can just continue her regular diet and give a few ounces of an oral rehydration solution each time she has diarrhea.
Treatment becomes more complicated if your child also is vomiting a lot and is unable to keep down fluids that treat and prevent dehydration. If she continues to vomit, is becoming more dehydrated, or if you are not sure what to do, call your doctor.
Fruit juices, fruit drinks, soda, and sports drinks all have too much sugar and are not a good idea for infants with diarrhea and vomiting. An oral rehydration solution with the right mix of sugar and electrolytes, like Pedialyte, is usually a much better choice when treating a child with a stomach virus.
Parents often unnecessarily restrict what their kids eat when they have diarrhea and vomiting. This usually isn't necessary, but if your child doesn't want to eat, then in addition to fluids, you might try the typical BRAT diet, which stands for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Yogurt, with acidophilus, is also thought to help treat diarrhea, and might be helpful for your older infant.
Acute Diarrhea
Diarrhea that starts suddenly, called acute diarrhea, is usually caused by a virus, such as the rotavirus. Symptoms usually include large amounts of watery diarrhea, vomiting, and a low-grade fever. It is estimated that the average child gets two or three episodes of diarrhea caused by a virus each year, so your child will likely catch one of these infections at some point, especially if she is in day care.
There are also several bacteria that can cause acute diarrhea, including Salmonella, Shigella, and E. coli. Unlike viral infections, diarrhea caused by bacteria often has blood and mucus in it, and the child may have a higher fever.
A food intolerance, especially if you have recently introduced a new food or drink, might also cause diarrhea, so review your child's recent diet history to see if you have made any big changes.
Chronic Diarrhea
If diarrhea lasts more than a few weeks, it is known as chronic diarrhea. This type is less likely to be caused by a simple viral infection. Common causes of chronic diarrhea can include food and lactose intolerances, parasite infections, and malabsorption, which means food isn't being digested properly. Babies with malabsorption often have very foul-smelling and greasy stools. If you suspect this condition it is worth a call to your doctor, as causes can include cystic fibrosis, celiac disease, and many other chronic conditions.
Other Causes of Vomiting
Vomiting accompanied by diarrhea and a low-grade fever, particularly when other people are sick with the same symptoms, is often caused by a simple stomach virus. Vomiting can be a symptom of more serious conditions though, some of which are medical emergencies.
Pyloric stenosis is one common cause of vomiting without other symptoms. Pyloric stenosis is most common in younger infants, and peaks at about the age of three weeks. A common symptom is projectile vomiting after eating.
In older infants, intussusception may be another cause of vomiting. The most common cause of intestinal obstruction in younger children, intussusception also can cause a distended abdomen, irritability that may come and go, and bloody stools that are mixed with mucus.
Other serious causes of vomiting can include conditions that range from intestinal obstructions to brain tumors. These conditions are much less common than the more usual stomach viruses and food intolerances that cause vomiting, but to be safe, see your doctor if your baby has persistent vomiting for more than twenty-four hours or if she has other serious symptoms that you are worried about.
If your child has bilious vomiting, which appears dark green, it can be a sign of an intestinal blockage, such as a malrotation and volvulus. This is always considered to be a medical emergency and requires quick medical attention.
