Short answer
Most loose motions and vomiting in children are caused by a stomach infection and get better in a few days. The key is to prevent dehydration: give ORS in small, frequent sips, continue breastfeeding and normal food, and give zinc for 10 to 14 days if your doctor advises. See a doctor urgently for blood in the stools, repeated vomiting, fewer wet nappies, sunken eyes or a very sleepy child.
- Published
- Published by
- Dhruva Hospitals, Kadapa
How long it lasts
Diarrhoea usually stops within 5 to 7 days, and vomiting within 1 or 2 days. The danger is the loss of water and salts, which can make a small child dehydrated quickly.
ORS: the most important treatment
- Oral rehydration solution (ORS) replaces the water and salts lost in loose stools. Make it with clean water exactly as the packet says.
- Give small, frequent sips from a cup or spoon, especially if your child feels sick.
- If your child vomits, wait 10 minutes and then continue more slowly.
- Keep giving ORS after each loose stool until the diarrhoea stops.
Zinc
WHO recommends a 10 to 14 day course of zinc tablets for children with diarrhoea. Zinc shortens the illness and reduces the amount of stool. Your doctor will tell you the dose for your child’s age.
Food and drinks
- Continue breastfeeding. If your baby is vomiting, offer smaller feeds more often.
- Give normal food when your child wants it. Avoid fatty or spicy food for a few days.
- Avoid fruit juices and fizzy or packaged sugary drinks; they can make diarrhoea worse.
- Do not make formula weaker than usual.
- Do not give medicines to stop diarrhoea to children under 12.
Signs of dehydration
- Restlessness or irritability, or the child drinks eagerly as if very thirsty
- Sunken eyes, and no tears when crying
- Fewer wet nappies, or dark, strong-smelling urine
- Skin that goes back slowly when gently pinched
- Severe dehydration: a very sleepy or unconscious child who cannot drink, or skin that goes back very slowly when pinched
See a doctor urgently if
- Your baby is under 12 months and you are worried
- Your child stops breastfeeding or drinking, or keeps vomiting and cannot keep fluids down
- Your child shows any sign of dehydration
- There is blood in the stools or vomit, or green vomit
- Diarrhoea lasts more than 7 days, or vomiting more than 2 days
- Your child has severe tummy pain, a stiff neck, or is confused or very sleepy
For severe dehydration, come to the hospital straight away: your child may need fluids through a drip. Call +91 90368 52311.
Preventing it
- Wash hands with soap after using the toilet, changing nappies and before preparing food.
- Give safe drinking water, boiled or filtered.
- Breastfeed only for the first 6 months.
- Make sure your baby gets the rotavirus vaccine at 6, 10 and 14 weeks.
Common questions
Should I stop milk during loose motions?
No. Keep breastfeeding, and keep giving your child’s usual food and milk. Feeding during the illness helps recovery.
Can I make ORS at home?
Use ORS packets from a pharmacy or health centre where possible. Getting the amounts of salt and sugar wrong can be harmful, so if packets are not available, ask a doctor.
Read next
Sources
This article is general information, not a diagnosis or treatment plan. In an emergency, call +91 90368 52311.