Diarrhoea and vomiting (Acute Gastroenteritis)

Very common at the moment and doesn’t seem to be stopping. Usually starts with vomiting and then may stop there or progress to diarrhoea as well. Sometimes it’s just diarrhoea without vomiting. Anything is possible in medical world!

Most cases are viral not bacterial and so ANTIBIOTICS WILL NOT HELP.  They may be harmful on the other hand as they wipe out the good bacteria from the gut. Sometimes there can be blood in the stool as well, in which case you should take your child to the doctor.

Most important management is prevention of dehydration. Solids are usually not tolerated, so Diarolyte (Oral Rehydration solution) should be given, 5 mls every 5 min. Some children are not low in salt, in which case they may prefer to drink water or Apple juice!

If vomiting is not stopping or child is becoming drowsy, you should immediately seek medical attention. Diarrhoea may persist for upto a week or two. If longer, seek medical attention.