Health Advice - Children's Illnesses - Diarrhoea & Vomiting

Most cases are usually due to a viral infection. The most important thing to remember is to avoid dehydration by providing adequate amounts of the correct type of fluid. Try to use fruit juice or flat lemonade or a rehydration formula such as Rehydrate or Dioralyte and, contrary to what many people believe, avoid pure or boiled water. Sweetened drinks are preferable because they are absorbed at around twice the rate of water. These drinks also contain essential salts and ions such as Potassium that are lacking in water. A sign that your child is ok and not overly dehydrated is the ability and need to pass urine.

Diarrhoea in very young children and babies needs careful attention. Most babies have loose bowel action during their first six months due to a predominantly liquid diet. Sudden bouts of unusually watery diarrhoea should be treated by taking the baby off solids and feeding them a solution of water with a teaspoon of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt. If symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, or are accompanied by vomiting or weakness, consult your doctor.

Most stomach upsets will pass in around 24 hours following this advice and your child will suffer no harm. If you are concerned about your child's diarrhoea you are of course welcome to seek a consultation at the Health Centre to rule out more serious causes.

If your child's diarrhoea or vomit should contain blood we recommend you seek medical attention from the Health Centre or Doctors on Call service.